Question regarding AB540

[MiChiamanoMimi]

<p>I was under the impression (and I'm sure that others may be as well) that if a student attended California High Schools for at least three years and graduated from a California High School that even if they were living out of state, they would qualify for in-state tuition rates. </p>

<p>Someone that I know who works at a Financial Aid office at a UC stated that the rule only applies to undocumented students. I am a Natural Born US Citizen as were my parents and other forebears going back approximately six generations. So due to this, I would not qualify for AB540. </p>

<p>Could anyone clarify this issue? Is anyone who falls into the 3 years of HS/HS Diploma from a CA HS eligible for this or is it truly just for those who are Undocumented?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

[Kender]

<p>This is from UCSC’s website, but a quick scan of the websites for the other UCs shows similar information.</p>

<p>

Exemptions from Nonresident Tuition
You may be entitled to an exemption from nonresident tuition if one of the following applies to you. Some of the exemptions are for a limited period of time. Check with the Campus Residence Deputy for more information:</p>

<p>(9) Graduate of California high school. A student who attended high school in California for three or more years (9th grade included) and graduated from a California high school (or attained the equivalent) may be exempt from nonresident tuition. You are not eligible for this exemption if you are a nonimmigrant alien.

</p>

<p>It doesn’t say anything about being “undocumented” on the residency page. Granted, the exemption is not a guarantee, but that is far different than what you were told that it was only for those who are “undocumented.” In fact, perhaps I’m reading it incorrectly, but wouldn’t “undocumented” fall under the “nonimmigrant alien” criteria that specifically says the student will not be eligible?</p>

<p>Which UC told you this? I can dig for more specific information beyond the UC I attend if I know which one to look at ;)</p>

<p>[UCSC</a> - Who is a Resident](<a href=“http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/appendix_a.htm#who]UCSC”>http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/appendix_a.htm#who)
[UCSC</a> - Exemptions from Nonresident Tuition](<a href=“http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/appendix_a.htm#exemptions]UCSC”>http://reg.ucsc.edu/catalog/html/appendix_a.htm#exemptions)</p>

<p>Link to all the residency information for all the UCs:
[University</a> of California - Admissions](<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/ca_residency.html]University”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/ca_residency.html)</p>

[Kender]

<p>Okay, did some more digging because I’m bored out of my skull on Spring Break with nothing to do until classes start up again. I’ve grown up too much if I’d rather do homework than play video games right now. Anywho, I digress…</p>

<p>This is directly from the University of California website:</p>

<p>

Who is potentially eligible for this new benefit?</p>

<p>Domestic students who, for various reasons, are classified as nonresidents, as well as undocumented students, may be eligible. An example of a potentially eligible nonresident domestic student is one who attended a California high school, but their parents did not live in California or later moved away. Students who met in-state criteria and then established residency in another state, but are now returning to California to pursue a graduate degree, may also be eligible for the tuition exemption. The exemption applies to both undergraduate and graduate students.

</p>

<p>So it would appear that the policy is uniform across all the UCs. And although this quote mentions undocumented as potentially being eligible, they are not the exclusive benefactors of this “loophole,” so to speak, to gain an exemption to qualify for in-state fees.</p>

<p>Also interesting to note that there is no cap on the number of years such an exemption is eligible for, nor a limit on the time since one graduated high school. However, the student does need to submit all the proper paper work to notify the school of the eligibility for the exemption.</p>

<p>I am still finding absolutely zero that says “AB 540 only applies to undocumented students.”</p>

<p>[Ab</a> 540 - UC TUITION EXEMPTION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS](<a href=“http://www.ucop.edu/sas/sfs/docs/ab540_faqs.htm]Ab”>http://www.ucop.edu/sas/sfs/docs/ab540_faqs.htm)</p>