Residency

In accordance with the California Education Code, all students are classified as either California residents or nonresidents for tuition purposes based on the information provided in their CCCApply admission application. Learn how to qualify for California resident tuition at Monterey Peninsula College. Explore residency requirements, required documentation, the residency reclassification and appeal process, and tuition exemptions available to eligible students, including military members, California high school graduates who qualify under AB 540, and other qualifying populations.

Definition of Residency for Tuition Purposes

Resident

(Ed. Code §§ 68017, 68062; Cal. Code Regs., tit. 5 §§ 54020, 54026)

A student who has been physically present in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date (one year and one day), and has demonstrated an intent to make California a permanent home.

Nonresident

(Ed. Code § 68018)

A student who does not have residence in the state for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date.

Citizenship/Immigration Statuses

Certain visa/immigration statuses PRECLUDE a student from establishing residency, regardless of the length of time in California. Applicants must present evidence (usually from USCIS), documenting they have taken appropriate steps to obtain a change of status to a classification in addition with two proofs of CA residency. If you hold a F, J, or B visa you must apply through the International Student Program.

How Residency is Determined

  • Students must submit an application for admissions by the last day of term.
  • Students must complete the Applying for Classification as a California Resident (for tuition purposes) AND attach the required documentation by the last day of term. Please ensure all documentation is sent as a single PDF attachment.
  • Admissions and Records reviews residency documentation in the order received, it can take up to ten (10) business days to determine students eligibility. Students will get notified via email if they have been approved or denied for CA residency or if further documentation is needed. If you have any questions you can contact Admissions and Records at admissions@mpc.edu. 

Documentation: To establish CA residency, a minimum of two documents are required. The documents must meet the date requirements of a year and a day (366 days) from the start day of the term.

Documentation

Primary Evidence Documents (we must have at least one document from the primary list.):

  • Ownership of residential property in California
  • Proof of employment (IRS Tax Transcript WITH W-2 forms AND pay stub with name AND address of student and company) of the prior year.
  • California automobile registration
  • California driver’s license or California ID
  • Evidence of voter registration in California
  • Professional California license (trade, business, profession)

Supplemental Documents, as applicable, for physical presence:

  • Continuous occupancy of property in California (rental agreement or lease)
  • California bank account (bank statement w/address present)
  • Utility bills
  • Verification of public assistance
  • Evidence of divorce petition in California
  • DD-214 (military form) and copy of LES (Leave and Earning Statement)

Items that are not specific to CA may not be used to establish residency, such as:

  • Birth certificate
  • Social Security Card

Other documentation may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

California Nonresident Tuition Exemption

To be considered for the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption students must meet the following requirements:

  • Complete the equivalent of three years of coursework in a California school in grades K-12, Adult education and/or community college

AND

  • Graduate from CA high school/GED or equivalent, and/or received an associate degree or met the transfer requirements for a UC or CSU at a CA community college.

Students who meet the requirements must complete the CA Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request form.

Special Exemptions for Nonresident Tuition

Education Code section 68075.6 grants an immediate nonresident tuition fee exemption to eligible Special Immigrant Visa (SJV) 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. This exemption applies to the following:

  • 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

Military Members and their Dependents

US Active Duty military members and their dependents may be eligible to have their nonresident tuition waived. If you are active duty, submit a copy of your official orders to the Admissions & Records Office. If you are an active duty dependent, submit the US Military Dependent Form to our office. If you need assistance, please contact our Veterans Resource Center.