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Residency & Tuition

Establishing California Residency to avoid paying non-resident tuition, you must have resided in California for at least one year and one day prior to the opening date of the semester or summer session in which you are enrolling. You must also have satisfied at least three acts of intent prior to the one year and one day waiting period. These acts may include, but are not limited to, obtaining a California driver's license, registering a motor vehicle in California, registering to vote in California, owning California property, or having one's belongings in California. The burden of proof to establish residency lies with the student. A complete explanation of California residency laws and regulations may be obtained in the office of Admissions and Records.

If you do not qualify for California residency, you must pay non-resident tuition.

To Be Reclassified as a Resident

Upon completion of the one year and one day requirement and being previously classified as a non-resident, students may obtain the forms from the Office of Admissions and Records for reclassification as a California resident. Reclassification has the additional requirement of financial independence from parents if they are non-California residents.

Military Waiver of Non-Resident Tuition

Members of the U.S. armed forces on active duty in the State of California (and have not been assigned to California for educational purposes) are exempt from non-resident tuition. They must be on active duty at the time they are admitted to the College to qualify for this waiver. Upon separating from the military, the student will be required to provide evidence of intent to establish residency in California at least one year prior to the admittance date. For eligibility of the non-resident tuition exemption, contact Admissions and Records. Dependents of non-resident military personnel are entitled to an exemption from non-resident tuition until they have established residency as stated in "Establishing California Residency" above. Complete the Military Petition for California Residency Reclassification and submit it to Admissions and Records along with supporting document(s).

Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540)

Students who have attended a California high school for a minimum of three years AND received a California high school diploma or its equivalent (such as a GED), or have met the eligibility criteria expressed in Education Code Section 68130.5 subdivision (a), may be exempt from paying non-resident tuition. If you are qualified, complete and submit the AB540 Affidavit, along with proof of eligibility to the Admissions and Records Office.

Education Code section 68075.6 grants an immediate nonresident tuition fee exemption to eligible Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders and refugee students who settled in California upon entering the United States. This exemption is granted for one year from the date the student settled in California upon entering the United States.

  • Iraqi citizens or nationals (and their spouses and children) who were employed by or on behalf of the United States Government in Iraq (Pub.L. No. 110-181, § 1244)

  • Afghan and Iraqi translators (and their spouses and children) who worked directly with the United States Armed Forces (Pub.L. No. 109- 163, § 1059)

  • Afghanistan nationals who were employed by or on behalf of the U.S. Government or in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan (Pub.L. No. 111-8, § 602)

  • Refugee students admitted to the United States under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code.

Submit AB540 Affidavit along with proof of eligibility to the Admissions and Records office, unless provided to the Student Aid Commission as part of the student’s financial aid application for purposes of the affidavit requirement described above, as specified. (Per CA AB 1540).

International Students

It is the philosophy of Merced College to encourage the attendance of international students to enrich and broaden the educational experiences of all students. With this philosophy as a basis, the Merced College International Student Policies encompass the following guidelines:

  • A maximum number of international students equal to 5 percent of the previous year’s full-time equivalent enrollment may be admitted to Merced College.

  • Discretion is used in selecting applicants to ensure that there is a balance of international students from various countries of the world.

  • International student eligibility is based on meeting the application requirements and English language proficiency (TOEFL 450) by the semester deadline.

  • Upon acceptance to the International Student Program, a student is issued an I-20 immigration form that enables the student to apply for his/her student visa

To apply for admission under the International Student Program, write to the Program Assistant requesting an application (there is an application fee). Once admitted to Merced College as an international student, nonresident tuition plus state enrollment fees must be paid. Financial aid is NOT available to international students. By the census date of each class fees are due in full or a payment plan must be set up. Fees must be paid in U.S. currency.