CA Residency

Residence Determination

California Residency for Tuition Purposes

The California Community College Chancellor’s Office writes the laws and guidelines for establishing in-state residency reclassification for all California Community Colleges (California Education Code, sections 68000-68075, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5 § 54020-54024). Residency status is determined by the information provided by the student on the Application for Admission. Students who do not meet California residency requirements will be classified as nonresidents for tuition purposes.

Physical presence within California solely for educational purposes does not allow a student to establish residence, regardless of the length of time present in the state (EC 68043, T5 54022(c). 

In order to be considered for in-state residency reclassification, it is required that there be a union of act and intent:

1. physical presence;
2. evidence of intent to make California your permanent state of residency for other than temporary purpose; and
3. financial independence.

The student is required to present evidence in accordance with Education Code, Section 68040 et. seq. The documents presented must be valid and legible. A Residency Questionnaire and documentation of evidence must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student seeks reclassification. The burden of proof to clearly demonstrate physical presence, intent, and financial independence lies solely with the student.

Click on Residence Determination (AP 5015) to view the full policy.