Residency for Tuition Purposes

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency, meet physical presence by the Residence Determination Date, and demonstrate intent to indefinitely remain in the State of California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date.

Generally speaking, to be eligible for classification as a California resident for tuition purposes, the student must provide verification that these requirements are satisfied:

1. Physical Presence: The student or parent/guardian must be physically present in California for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date in which enrollment is contemplated. For example, if a student plans to attend the CSU for the Fall 2021 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2021, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2020.

2. Intent: California law stipulates the burden of proof rests with the student, and merely living in California for a year does not support a claim for residency for tuition purposes. The student must demonstrate intent to remain indefinitely in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the Residence Determination Date (RDD) and sever all residential ties with the former state or country of residence. 

There must be sufficient documentation to demonstrate that intent was established more than one year (a minimum of one year and one day) before the Residence Determination Date. Documents must include the student's name, the student's California address, and a date at least one year and one day prior or on the RDD for the term. 

For more information about residency requirements and supporting documentation, visit the CSU residency website. 

A Residence Determination Date is set for each academic term and is part of the residency determination process. The legal capacity, physical presence, & residential intent requirements must be established at least one year and one day before the residence determination date of the term the request is submitted. The Residence Determination Date for each term is listed below:

Under California law, Fresno State must determine the residency status for tuition purposes of all applicants and students. Our Graduate Admissions Office determines your residency status based on your answers to questions on the admissions application. 

If additional information is required in order to determine your residency status, you may need to submit a CSU Residence Questionnaire (PDF) and copies of official/legal documents as evidence of residency status. Students will have until the last day of instruction in the first term of attendance to submit the residency questionnaire and supporting documentation. Forms submitted after the last day of instruction will be considered for residency reclassification in the immediate subsequent term.

Note: Processing time may take 3-10 business days.

For more information about initial determination of residency requirements, visit the CSU residency website. 

A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term. The student must show proof to satisfy the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state. 

If you believe you have met the requirements for in-state tuition, complete the CSU Residency Questionnaire (PDF) and submit the form with the required supporting documentation to the Graduate Admissions Office. 

Note: Processing time may take 3-10 business days. 

Effective Fall 2020: Students enrolled in a graduate or post‐baccalaureate program, regardless of age, are not required to submit proof of financial independence in order to meet residency requirements. 

For more information regarding reclassification requirements, visit the CSU residency website. 

Students not classified as California residents for tuition purposes may qualify for an exception or an exemption from payment of nonresident tuition. Exemption from paying nonresident tuition continues for as long as the student is continuously enrolled at the same institution. For a complete list of residency exceptions, exemptions, and eligibility requirements, visit the CSU residency website to learn more. 

AB 540/2000 and SB 68/1141 

Certain nonresident students (including U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented individuals) who have attended, graduated, or achieved the equivalent from a California school may be exempted from paying nonresident tuition. Such students must remain classified as "nonresidents" for residence classification and financial aid eligibility purposes. Students seeking exemption from nonresident tuition must satisfy attendance requirements and graduation/transfer requirements. Students must also complete and submit the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form, along with supporting documents (i.e., transcripts, proof of attendance) to the Graduate Admissions Office.

Summary of Requirements

Students classified as nonresidents may appeal the campus decision to the CSU Chancellor’s Office. The appeal must be submitted online at the CSU Chancellor's Office website within 30 calendar days of notification of the final campus decision.

Students may only appeal the campus decision if: 1) the decision was based on a significant error of fact, significant procedural error, or an incorrect application of law; and/or 2) new information (which was not previously known or available to the student) became available after the date of the campus decision and, based on the new information, the nonresident classification is incorrect.

Students must explain why the appeal meets one or more of the above criteria and provide supporting documentation. Appeals that do not include supporting documentation will be denied.