Definition

AB 540 exempts students (including undocumented students) who meet eligibility requirements from out-of-state tuition fees. 

In 2017, AB 540 was expanded through SB68 to include adult schools and CA Community Colleges (non-credit and credit classes) attendance and other graduation or degree requirements.

Eligibility  

Students must meet the requirements for Part One & Part Two

PART ONE: Time and Coursework Requirements (either A or B):

A. Attendance for three full-time years or the equivalent at any combination of the following:

a. California high school

b. California adult school (including non-credit courses offered by a California community college) *

c. California community college (maximum of two years of credit courses can count toward this requirement)

 OR

B. Three years of California high school credits, along with three years of total attendance at a California elementary school, California secondary school, or any combination of the three. 

AND

PART TWO: Degree or Unit Requirements (completion of any of the following):

A. Graduation from a California high school or the equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, CHSPE)

B. Attainment of an Associate degree from a California Community College

C. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements from a California Community College to a UC or CSU campus”

Benefits

Qualifying for AB 540/SB 68 provides students with the ability to pay resident fees and apply for the state-based financial aid through the CA Dream Act, if eligible. AB 540/SB 68 also allows eligible students to 1) participate in EOP&S and EOP at the CCC, CSU & UC and 2) receive the admissions application fee waiver at the CSU & UC. 

Process

Submitting the Affidavit - Students must also complete and submit the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540/SB 68 Affidavit) in order to qualify for in-state tuition, along with official transcripts and/or attendance records, if required. 

It’s important for students to check with the Admissions/Registrar Office to be aware of the ideal timeline for submitting the affidavit.