AB 540 CSUF On-Line Resource Guide
Purpose
This web page is intended to provide information to faculty and staff seeking to advise “AB 540 Students” and for undocumented nonresident high school and college students seeking information about their eligibility for AB 540 and resources. Please follow this link for a list of quick facts. 
State Law
On October 12, 2001, Governor Gray Davis signed into law Assembly Bill 540 (Stats. 2001, ch. 814) that added a new section 68130.5 to the California Education Code. Section 68130.5 created a new exemption from the payment of nonresident tuition for certain nonresident students who have attended high school in California for three or more years and received a high school diploma or its equivalent. [Education Code section 68130.5]
Admission
The process for applying to Cal State Fullerton is no different for any student with the exception of completing the residency section of the application:
- When completing the application please leave the section requesting your Social Security Number blank.
- *On Screen 4 under the residency section, select option A if you qualify for AB 540 status.
- *Please complete the entire application. Upon completion and submission of the application you will receive a paper letter from Cal State Fullerton confirming the receipt of your application. The letter will also provide you with a Campus Wide ID often referred to as CWID.
- *Please complete the California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form and obtain a copy of your high school transcripts and a copy of your high school diploma.
*Please send the Exemption Request Form, your high school transcripts, and a copy of your high school diploma to: P.O. Box 6900, Fullerton, CA 92834-6900, Attention: Evaluation Unit
Paying for College
Undocumented students, including AB 540 students are not eligible to apply for public financial aid, however, there are several private scholarships available that do not require residency. CSUF has a number of scholarships available to students.
Living in the United States, A Guide for Immigrant Youth
Published by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center 
, the guide offers information about the ways that immigration status can impact a youth's ability to get a job, go to college, or remain in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions for AB 540 Students
Q: If I am undocumented can I go to college?
A: YES, if you are an undocumented student you can go to any college or university in California as long as you meet the requirements and are admitted/accepted. To avoid paying out-of-state tuition, you need to meet the AB 540 eligibility requirements. Please visit www.CalStateFullerton.com for information specific to Cal State Fullerton.
Q: If I am undocumented, can I apply for financial aid?
A: As an undocumented student, you ARE NOT eligible for state (Cal Grant) and federal (FAFSA) financial aid. Some colleges and private organizations may offer financial assistance to undocumented students. Please refer to “Paying for College” section above.
Q: How do I qualify to pay in-state tuition?
A: In order to qualify for in-state tuition (at a public California college or university) under AB 540 you must have completed 3 years of high school in California and graduated or obtain the equivalent of a high school diploma. You must also complete an AB 540 affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption form) at the college/university that you will attend stating that you meet AB 540 eligibility requirements. Each school has different procedures for completing the AB 540 affidavit so contact the admissions/registrars office of the college/university.
Q: When should I apply?
A: For the Cal State University system, October 1 – November 30 is the filing period for the fall term, August 1 – 31 is the filing period for the spring semester. Cal State Fullerton accepts applications from first time freshman only during the fall filing period. Upper division transfer students who meet CSUF admissions requirements are eligible to apply for the fall or spring semester.
Q: Is the AB 540 Affidavit/California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form confidential?
A: YES, the AB 540 Affidavit will be filed with college or university you attend.
A: Is there anyone I can contact for more information?
Q: Yes, you may contact Janette L. Hyder at (714) 278-2288,or the EOP office at (714) 278-2784.
Proposed Legislation
