Residency Requirements
California's public colleges and universities distinguish between residents and nonresidents for tuition purposes. State residents historically have been charged fees but not tuition. Nonresident students, however, pay both fees and tuition.
The California Community Colleges (CCC) and the California State University (CSU) apply rules set by State statute in determining students' residency status for tuition purposes, while the University of California (UC) has developed a separate and stricter set of residency rules.
It is important to remember that because changes may be made at any time, and there are exceptions to rules, you should always check with the campus you are considering.
How To Get Facts About Your Residency
A student's residence is determined at the campus level. Therefore, campus officials can give you the most accurate advice on residence issues. If you have specific questions about your residency status, please read the statements of residency requirements published in the catalog of the public institution you plan to attend or contact the official who has been designated to make residency determinations for that institution.
- For residency information at a CCC, contact the Admission's Officer of the campus. General information can be found on the System Office Website.
- For residency information at a CSU, contact the campus Residence Clerk in the Admissions Office. The Public Affairs Office has information about fees. An example of the policies at various campuses can be found on CSU Chico's Website.
- For residency information at a UC, contact the Residence Deputy or Residence Affairs Officer who is located in the campus Registrar's Office. General rules for residency can be found in the Pathways web pages.
Such individuals can give you more accurate advice and also provide more precise information than anyone else.
Additional links:
How To Appeal Your Classification
If you believe you have been classified incorrectly as a nonresident by your institution, you may make a written appeal of the classification.
Each California Community College has its own appeal procedure, and you should consult its catalog about this procedure. Within 30 calendar days of being notified about your classification, you may appeal by writing the superintendent or chancellor of the community college district.
At the California State University, you must appeal your nonresident classification within 120 calendar days of being notified by the institution of your classification. Write:
Office of General Counsel
The California State University
401 Golden Shore
Long Beach, CA 90802
At the University of California, you must appeal a nonresident classification within 45 calendar days of being notified. Write:
Legal Analyst in Residence Matters
Office of the General Counsel
University of California
Office of the President
1111 Franklin Street, 8th Floor
Oakland, CA 94607-5200
