AB 540 Guide for Nonresident Students

What is AB 540?
AB 540 allows qualified non-resident students to pay in-state tuition fees.

Who qualifies for AB 540?
U.S. citizens who are former California residents and undocumented immigrant students are eligible for AB 540.

Students are eligible for AB 540 if they meet the following requirements:

1. Have attended a high school in California for 3 years or more (adult school students may qualify)
   AND
2. Have graduated from a California high school or received the equivalent (GED)
   AND
3. Complete an AB 540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Form)

Cost Difference
AB540 allows qualified students to pay the in-state tuition.* The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition is significant.
Foothill College
$13/ unit (in-state)
$115/ unit (out-of-state)

California State University
$2,864 (in-state)
$12,420 (out-of-state)

University of California
$6,141 (in-state)
$22,504 (out-of-state)
* tuition amounts subject to change

The Foothill College "Doorway to Success Scholarship" was created to help AB 540 students in pursuing their higher education goals. View the scholarship criteria for guidelines and important dates. To apply, download the Doorway to Success Scholarship application form.

For more information, contact Alexandra Duran at duranalexandra@fhda.edu, or call 650-949-7346.