Residency

Residency is determined when a student applies for admission to the College. The following paragraphs summarize the rules and regulations related to student residency for tuition purposes. Details are found in the CA Education Code, section 68000 and Title 5, sections 54000-54072.

Every person who is married or is age 18 or older and under no legal restriction may establish residence. Certain minors may also establish residence.

A California "resident" is a person who has resided in the state for more than one year prior to the residence determination date and shows "intent" to make the State of California their permanent residence.

An undocumented student is precluded from establishing residency. Restrictions also apply to some visas, please see the Residency Office.

The residence determination date is the day immediately preceding the first day of classes for each semester.

No one factor determines residency. The following factors are called "indices of intent." They, along with a person's presence in California, are among the factors considered in determining California residency:

• Filing California state income taxes as a resident

• Possessing a California driver's license and a vehicle registered in California

• Voting in California

• Owning residential property in California for personal use

• Being licensed to practice a profession in California

• Having an active checking and/or savings account in a California bank

• Showing California on military records (Leave and Earnings Statement)

• Possessing a marriage license or a divorce decree issued in California

• Having paid nonresident tuition in another state

Several exceptions to the residency rules apply. They include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Active duty military personnel stationed in California

• Dependents of active duty military personnel stationed in California.

• Certain minors who remained in California when their parents moved

• Self-supporting minors

• Full-time employees of the college or a state agency, or a child or spouse of the full-time employee

A student's residency status is determined at the time of application. Nonresident students must pay nonresident tuition in addition to the enrollment fee and other fees for credit classes. Tuition must be paid in full at the time of registration.

A student incorrectly classified as a California resident is subject to reclassification as a nonresident and payment of all nonresident tuition. If incorrect classification results from false or misleading facts, a student may be excluded from classes or the college upon notification.

Reclassification to resident status must be requested by the student. Financial independence during the current year and preceding two years will be considered at the time the student requests reclassification. Information regarding requirements for reclassification is available in the Residency or Admissions Office.

Tuition will not be refunded to a student classified as a nonresident due to lack of documentation if, at a later date, documentation is presented for a previous semester.

Students are cautioned that this summary of rules regarding residency determination is by no means a complete explanation of their meaning or content.

For further information, contact the residency clerk in the Admissions Office. Changes may have been made in the statutes and in the regulations since this catalog was published.

Providing false information necessary for establishing residency will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the college.

Contact the Admissions Office for more details.