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AB 540 — California Nonresident Tuition Exemption

Tags: AB 540 · Residency · Non-Resident Tuition Exemption · ARI

ScribeHow Guide

How to process AB 540 (ScribeHow)

Overview

AB 540 allows certain non-resident students to pay in-state tuition rates if they meet specific criteria — primarily having attended a California high school for 3 or more years and graduated (or equivalent).

Processing Steps

  1. Verify the student has submitted a completed California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit).
  2. Confirm the student attended a California high school for 3 or more years and graduated (or equivalent). Check transcripts or diploma on file.

  3. Open Colleague → ASPR screen.

    Field What to Enter
    Residency Status Insert a new line and residency code of A
    Date One day before the start of the desired term
    Comments/Remarks Timestamp and make notes

  4. Scan the signed affidavit and attach to the student's record in Laserfiche / Perceptive Content.

  5. Notify the student that the exemption has been applied and advise them to re-check their fee balance.

Edge Cases & Notes

Students Who Forgot to Turn In a Form

Warning

If a student forgot to submit the affidavit before the fee deadline, accept the late form and process it. Apply the updated AB 540 status on ASPR, then route to the Cashier's Office for adjustment.

Students Switching to CA Resident

When a student establishes California residency (after one year + intent to remain), change their classification from AB 540 exemption to CA Resident in Colleague. Insert a new line with the R status. Document the residency reclassification date and make notes.

Students Who Were Homeschooled

Homeschooled students may qualify if they were homeschooled in California for 3+ years. Request an affidavit from a parent or guardian attesting to homeschool instruction in California. Treat as equivalent to high school attendance.

Students Who Are Not Living in CA

Long distance learning students who are residing out of state do not qualify for AB 540.

Info

“Please also be aware that the Chancellor's Office has determined that the AB 540 exemption from Nonresident Tuition (see item 23, above) is not available for persons who are absent from California, but who are taking distance education courses from California Community Colleges (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 5, § 54045.5; CCCCO Residency Overview, 2025).”

Students That List Continuing Education as School

AB 540 is a self-certified affidavit. We should process these based on the student's statement of truth. Verification is only required if there is a discrepancy between the ASUM records and the information provided on the form.

Procedure When to Use
Residency Student gains CA residency status
FERPA Release Sharing student info with parent
Change of Information Request Updating address or citizenship data