Student Charges and Fees and Financial Assistance

• Schedule of Current Mandatory Tuition and Campus Based Fees​
• Additional Registration Charges
• Credit Cards
• Other Charges
• Refund of Mandatory Student Charges/Fees, Including Nonresident Tuition
• Seawolf Service Center
• Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution
• Fee Waivers and Exemptions
• Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes
• Residency Appeals
• Procedure for the Establishment or Abolishment of Campus-based Mandatory Fees
• Average Support Cost Per Full-time Equivalent Student and Sources of Funds
• Selective Service
• Financial Aid
• Scholarship Program
• Additional Work Opportunities
• Availability of Institutional and Financial Assistance Information

Seawolf Service Center
Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2308

Financial Aid Office
Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2389

Scholarship Office
Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2261

SSU Schedule of Current Mandatory Tuition and Campus Based Fees Per Semester 2023-2024

See the Fee Schedule for the most current mandatory registration charges and information.

2023-24 Schedule of Tuition and Fees

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 – 66028.6 of the Education Code). 

The following reflects applicable systemwide tuition and fees for both semester and quarter universities for undergraduate, credential, graduate, post-baccalaureate, and doctoral programs. 

These rates are subject to change. 

All Students

Application fee (nonrefundable), payable online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal: $70

Mandatory systemwide tuition is waived for those individuals who qualify for such exemption under the provisions of the California Education Code (see section on fee waivers).

Students are charged campus fees in addition to tuition and systemwide fees. Information on campus fees can be found by contacting the individual CSUs.

Doctoral Programs Tuition*

*Applicable term tuition applies for universities with special terms, as determined by the university. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter universities is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSUs.

2023-24 Graduate Business Professional Fee

The graduate business professional fee is paid on a per unit basis in addition to applicable systemwide tuition and campus fees for specific graduate business programs authorized to assess the fee. A list of academic programs authorized to assess the fee can be found on the CSU Tuition website.

Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

Nonresident tuition (in addition to basic tuition and other systemwide fees charged all students) for all CSUs:

2023-24 Nonresident Students (U.S and Foreign)

The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken.

Credit Cards:

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for payment of student tuition and fees but may be subject to a non-refundable credit card processing fee.

2024-25 Schedule Of Tuition and Fees

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 – 66028.6 of the Education Code).

The following reflects applicable systemwide tuition and fees for both semester and quarter universities fro undergraduate, credential, graduate, postbaccalaureate and doctoral programs.

These rates are subject to change.

All Students

Application fee (nonrefundable), payable online at the time of application via credit card or PayPal: $70

Mandatory systemwide tuition is waived for those individuals who qualify for such exemption under the provisions of the California Education Code (see section on fee waivers).

Students are charged campus fees in addition to tuition and systemwide fees. Information on campus fees can be found by contacting the individual CSUs.

2024-25 Basic Tuition

Doctoral Programs Tuition*

*Applicable term tuition applies for universities with special terms, as determined by the campus. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter universities is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSUs.

2024-25 Graduate Business Professional Fee

The graduate business professional fee is paid on a per unit basis in addition to basic tuition and campus fees for specific campus graduate business programs authorized to assess the fee. A list of academic programs authorized to assess the fee can be found on the CSU Tuition website.

Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

Nonresident tuition (in addition to basic tuition and other systemwide fees charged all students) for all CSUs:

2024-25 Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken.

5.6% Campus-based Fees increase in Fall 2023 based on CPI for Greater Bay Area for 2022 calendar year. Methodology for annual adjustment approved by student referendum in April 2001.

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU must reserve the right, even after fees are initially charged or initial fee payments are made, to increase or modify any listed fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide fees, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU listed fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the Chancellor, or the Presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide fees will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 - 66028.6 of the Education Code).

The optional Student Involvement and Representation (SIRF) fee is a voluntary CSU systemwide fee adopted by the Board of Trustees for the purpose of establishing a stable funding model for the California State Student Association (CSSA). It consists of a $2 per-term fee assessed to each CSU student on a voluntary basis, allowing the choice to opt-out. The new fee took effect in fall 2015. 

List of Factors for Future Considerations of Fee Changes per AB 970 adopted via CSU BOT resolution 3/20/13: Trustees of California State University Resolutions March 2013

Per Executive Order No. 1102, beginning in fall 2010, for each adjustment made by trustee action to the State University Fee for graduate students, an equal adjustment will be made to the Graduate Business Professional Fee formerly: Professional Program Category I Fee.).

Term “Tuition Fee” used in place of “State University Fee” following approval at 11/10/10 CSU BOT and guidelines in CSU Executive Order 1102 :

The applicable per term tuition fee schedules are provided on the Budget Office website.

Credit Cards

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for payment of student tuition and fees but may be subject to a non-refundable credit card processing fee.

Effective January 1, 2018, Seawolf Service Center will no longer accept credit or debit cards for payments, only cash, checks, money order, wolfbucks or cashier’s check. Credit/Debit cards and electronic checks will continue to be accepted payment methods for online student account payments. Payments on student accounts made by online credit/debit card will be charged a 2.65% non-refundable service fee by our third party provider, CASHNet® Smartpay.

Other Charges

Deposits for locker keys and breakage required in some laboratory courses. These deposits are refundable in whole or in part. If deposits are not required, charges may be made against the student for undue breakage or failure to clear locker and/or return key.

Specific Course Fees

Payable when service is rendered. Students have the option of obtaining materials or services for specific courses from sources other than the University, so long as they meet the instructional requirements.

Library Fees (tentative)

Community Borrower Card $10/3 months

Overdue Fees for Reserve Materials

$50 maximum fine per item
$1 an hour

Overdue Fees for Equipment

Laptops, keys, headphones
$1 an hour

Parking Fees (tentative)

Miscellaneous Fees

For other fees and charges, consult the current Schedule of Classes. Deposits for locker keys and breakage are required in some laboratory courses. These deposits are refundable in whole or in part. If deposits are not required, charges may still be made for undue breakage or failure to clear lockers and/or return keys. In addition, fees are required for miscellaneous expenses in some courses, as indicated in catalog course descriptions, and for field trips.

A fee of $25 per semester is charged for use of music department instruments and equipment. In addition, a deposit of $20 is required for each instrument checked out for each semester. The deposit will be refunded with the return of the instrument.

Refund of Mandatory Student Charges and Fees, Including Nonresident Tuition

Regulations governing the refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, for students enrolling at the California State University(CSU) are included in Section 41802 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. For purposes of the refund policy, mandatory fees are defined as those systemwide and campus fees that are required to be paid in order to enroll in state-supported academic programs at the CSU. Refunds of fees and tuition charges for self-support, special session and Professional and Continuing Education(PaCE) programs or courses at the CSU are governed by a separate policy established by the university, available in the Registrar’s Office.

In order to receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, less an administrative charge established by the university, a student must cancel registration or drop all courses prior to the first day of instruction for the term. Information on procedures and deadlines for canceling registration and dropping classes is available in the Registrar’s office.

For state-supported semesters, quarters and non-standard terms or courses of four weeks or more, a student who withdraws during the term in accordance with the university’s established procedures or drops all courses prior to the university-designated drop period will receive a refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, based on the portion of the term during which the student was enrolled. No student withdrawing after the 60 percent point in the term will be entitled to a refund of any mandatory fees or nonresident tuition.

A student who, within the university designated drop period and in accordance with university procedures, drops units resulting in a lower tuition and/or mandatory fee obligation shall be entitled to a refund of applicable tuition and mandatory fees less an administrative charge established by the university.

For state-supported non-standard terms or courses of less than four weeks, no refunds of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, will be made unless a student cancels registration or drops all classes, in accordance with the university’s established procedures and deadlines, prior to the first day of instruction for state-supported non-standard terms or courses or prior to the first meeting for courses of less than four weeks.

Students will also receive a refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, under the following circumstances:

• The tuition and fees were assessed or collected in error;
• The course for which the tuition and fees were assessed or collected was canceled by the university;
• The university makes a delayed decision that the student was not eligible to enroll in the term for which tuition and mandatory fees were assessed and collected and the delayed decision was not due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the student; or
• The student was activated for compulsory military service.

Students who are not entitled to a refund as described above may petition the university for a refund demonstrating exceptional circumstances and the chief financial officer of the university or designee may authorize a refund if they determine that the fees and tuition were not earned by the university.

Information concerning any aspect of the refund of fees may be obtained from Seawolf Services located on the first floor of Salazar Hall at (707) 664-2308.

Seawolf Service Center

Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2308

The following student-related functions are found in the Seawolf Service Center:

• One stop shop to ask general questions about financial aid, student accounts, and the SSU community
• Enrollment and Housing Deposits
• Payments for Student Charges/Fees
• Miscellaneous course fee payments
• Test and equipment fee payments
• Requests for refund of fees
• Sale of employee payroll deduction parking permits
• Housing room and board payments
• Optional meal plan payments
• Issuance of campus keys
• Lost and found
• Paycheck pick-up
• Clearance of financial holds
• Routine maintenance requests for dorm students
• Purchase Wolfbucks
• Seawolf I.D. Card issuance

Refer to the current Schedule of Classes for Seawolf Service Center hours of operation.

Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution

Should a student or former student fail to pay a fee or a debt owed to the institution, including tuition and student charges, the institution may “withhold permission to register, to use facilities for which a fee is authorized to be charged, to receive services, materials, food or merchandise or any combination of the above from any person owing a debt” until the debt is paid (see Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Sections 42380 and 42381).

Prospective students who register for courses offered by the university are obligated for the payment of charges and fees associated with registration for those courses. Failure to cancel registration in any course for an academic term prior to the first day of the academic term gives rise to an obligation to pay student charges and fees including any tuition for the reservation of space in the course.

The institution may withhold permission to register or other services offered by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution. The institution may also report the debt to a credit bureau, offset the amount due against any future state tax refunds due the student, refer the debt to an outside collection agency and/or charge the student actual and reasonable collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees if litigation is necessary, in collecting any amount not paid when due.

The institution may not withhold an official transcript of grades by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution (see Title 1.6C.7 (commencing with Section 1788.90) Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code). The institution can still charge a fee for the issuance of the transcript pursuant to their published transcript processing fees.

If a person believes they do not owe all or part of an asserted unpaid obligation, that person may contact Seawolf Services at (707) 664-2308. Seawolf Services will review all pertinent information provided by the person and available to the university and will advise the person of its conclusions.

Fee Waivers and Exemptions

The California Education Code provides for the waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition fees as summarized below:

Section 66025.3 (a) - Dependent eligible to receive assistance under Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code; child of veteran of the United States military who has a service-connected disability, has been killed in service, or has died of a service-connected disability, and meets specified income provisions; dependent, or surviving spouse who has not re-married of a member of the California National Guard who, in the line of duty, and while in the active service of the state, was killed, died of a disability or permanently disabled as a result of an event that occurred while in the active service of the state, and any undergraduate student who is a recipient of a Medal of Honor, or an undergraduate student who is a child of a recipient of a Medal of Honor who is no more than 27 years old or younger, who meets the income restriction and California residency requirement.

Section 66025.3(b) - Current or former foster youth who is 25 years of age or younger; have been in foster care for at least 12 consecutive months after reaching 10 years of age; meet one of the following:

i. Is under a current foster care placement order by the juvenile court,

ii. Was under a foster care placement order by the juvenile court upon reaching 18 years of age; or

iii. Was adopted, or entered guardianship, from foster care; The current or former foster youth needs to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

iv. Maintains a minimum grade point average and meets the conditions necessary to be in good standing at the campus; and meet the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards under Chapter 1.7 (commencing with Section 69430) of Part 42.

The waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees under this section applies only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41 of the California Education Code.

Section 66602 – A qualifying student from the California State University(CSU) who is appointed by the Governor to serve as Trustee of the California State University(CSU) for the duration of the student member’s term of office.

Section 68120 –Surviving spouse or child of a deceased California resident who was employed by a public agency or was a contractor, or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency, or was a firefighter employed by the federal government whose duty assignment involved the performance of firefighting services in this state. The deceased person’s principal duties consisted of active law enforcement service or active fire suppression and prevention, and was killed in the performance of active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention duties (referred to as Alan Pattee Scholarships). Additionally, a person who qualifies for the waiver under this section as a surviving child of a contractor, or of an employee of a contractor, who performed services for a public agency, must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the California State University and meet the applicable income restriction requirement with supporting documentation (i.e. student’s income, including the value of parent support, does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant B award).

Section 68120.3 - Surviving spouse (until January 1, 2033) or surviving child (until attaining the age of 30) of a deceased California resident who was a licensed physician or licensed nurse employed by or under contract with a health facility regulated and licensed by the State Department of Public Health to provide medical services, or a first responder employed to provide emergency services as described in Section 8562 of the Government Code. The deceased person’s principal duties consisted of providing medical services or emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency (started March 4, 2020, until the Governor lifts the state of emergency), and the deceased person died of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency. The person who qualifies for this waiver must enroll as an undergraduate student at a CSU, was a resident of California during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency, and the annual income (including the value of parent’s support) does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant A award, as set forth in Section 69432.7.

Section 68121 –A qualifying undergraduate student (until attaining the age of 30) who is the surviving dependent of any individual killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in southwestern Pennsylvania, if the student meets the financial need requirements set forth in Government Code Section 69432.7 for the Cal Grant A Program and either the surviving dependent or the individual killed in the attacks was a resident of California on September 11, 2001.

Section 69000 – A person who has been exonerated, as that term is defined in Section 3007.05 of the Penal Code;completes and submits the FAFSA; and meets the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards.  The waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees under this section applies only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41 of the California Education Code.

Students who may qualify for the above benefits should contact the Admissions/Registrar’s Office for further information and/or an eligibility determination.

The California Education Code provides for the following nonresident tuition exemptions as summarized below:

Section 68075 - A student who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this state, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education, is entitled to resident classification only for the purpose of determining the amount of tuition and fees.

If that member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is in attendance at an institution is thereafter transferred on military orders to a place outside this state where the member continues to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, the member shall not lose the member’s resident classification so long as the member remains continuously enrolled at that institution.

Section 68075.7 – A nonresident student is exempt from paying nonresident tuition or any other fee that is exclusively applicable to nonresident students if the student (1) resides in California, (2) meets the definition of “covered individual” as defined in Section 3679(c)(2) of Title 38 of the United States Code, (3) is eligible for education benefits under the federal Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program or the Post-9/11 GI Bill program as each read on January 1, 2017.

1. Resides in California

2. Meets the definition of “covered individual” as defined in Section 3679(c)(2) of Title 38 of the United States Code; or

3. Is eligible for education benefits under the federal Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (Chapter 30 (commencing with Section 3001) of Title 38 of the United States Code), the Veterans Readiness and Employment program (Chapter 31 (commencing with Section 3100) of Title 38 of the United States Code), the Post–9/11 GI Bill program (Chapter 33 (commencing with Section 3301) of Title 38 of the United States Code), or the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35 (commencing with Section 3500) of Title 38 of the United States Code), as each read on January 5, 2022.

Section 68122 – A student who is a victim of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes who has been granted a status under Section 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) or (ii), or Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i) or (ii), of Title 8 of the United States Code shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition to the same extent as individuals who are admitted to the United States as refugees under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code.

Section 68130.5 – A nonresident student, other than a person excluded from the term “immigrant” for purposes of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101), pursuant to paragraph (15) of subsection (a) of Section 1101 of Title 8 of the United States Code, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition if the student meets the requirements of (1) through (4), below.

1. Satisfaction of the requirements of either subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B).
   1. A total attendance of, or attainment of credits earned while in California equivalent to, three or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of credits at any of the following:
      1. California high schools;
      2. California high schools established by the State Board of Education;
      3. California adult schools established by a county office of education, a unified school district or high school district, or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (subject to the class hours’ requirement);
      4. Campuses of the California Community Colleges (subject to the credit requirements); or
      5. A combination of those schools set forth in clauses (i) to (iv), inclusive.
   2. Three or more years of full-time high school coursework, and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of both.
2. Satisfaction of any of the following:
   1. Graduation from a California high school or attainment of the equivalent thereof;
   2. Attainment of an associate degree from a campus of the California Community Colleges; or
   3. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the California State University for students transferring from a campus of the California Community College.
3. Registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an accredited institution of higher education in California not earlier than the fall semester or quarter of the 2001–02 academic year.
4. In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, the filing of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize the student’s immigration status or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so.

Determination of Residency for Tuition Purposes

University requirements for establishing residency for tuition purposes are independent from requirements for establishing residency for other purposes, such as for tax purposes, or other state or institutional residency. These regulations were promulgated not to determine whether a student is a resident or nonresident of California, but rather to determine whether a student qualifies to pay university fees at the in-state or out-of-state rate. A resident for tuition purposes is someone who meets the requirements set forth in the Uniform Student Residency Requirements. These laws governing residency for tuition purposes at the California State University are California Education Code sections 68000-68086, 68120- 68133, and 89705-89707.5, and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Sub-chapter 5, Article 4, sections 41900- 41915. This material can be viewed by accessing the California State University website.

Each CSUs Admissions Office is responsible for determining the residency status of that university’s new and returning students based, as applicable, on the student’s Application for Admission, Residency Questionnaire, and, as necessary, other information the student furnishes. A student who fails to provide sufficient information to establish resident status will be classified as a nonresident.

Residency Requirements

Initial Determination: Eligible Immigration Status, Physical Presence and Intent

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University (CSU) as a first-time freshman, transfer, or as a post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency (see Eligible Immigration Information), 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. If the student is under the age of 19 (with limited exceptions), the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or from that of the legal guardian.

Requirements for Residency for Tuition Purposes

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 2024 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2024, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2023.

Eligible Immigration Status

A student seeking to pay in-state tuition at a California State University campus as a first-time freshman, transfer, or post-baccalaureate/graduate student must have an eligible immigration status to establish residency. Therefore, the student must be a United States citizen, a permanent resident (Green Card holder), or hold an eligible visa status (all eligible visas can be found at www.calstate.edu/residency).

Students in the category of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Humanitarian Parole, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) are also eligible to establish residency for tuition purposes. Also, students who are adjusting their immigration status, such as asylum, may qualify for residency depending on where they are in the application process.

Most nonimmigrant visa holders, such as an F-1 or J-1 visa holder, are not eligible to establish California residency for tuition purposes. Students with a visa or without an immigration status should contact the university Admissions Office.

If a student does not qualify as a California resident, the student may be eligible for certain exceptions and exemptions, such as California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, commonly known as AB 540. Nonresident students (including US citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented individuals, including students with a T visa U visa, DACA, Humanitarian Parole (certain countries), Special Immigrant Juvenile, asylum, refugee, or Temporary Protected Status) may be exempted from paying nonresident tuition. Students seeking the AB 540 Exemption must satisfy attendance and graduation/transfer requirements from a California school (e.g., K-12, adult school, and community college).

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 2024 academic term, and the Residence Determination Date for that term is September 20, 2024, the student must establish physical presence in California no later than September 19, 2023.

Residency Determination Dates

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, or in some cases a parent or legal guardian, 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. If the student is under the age of 19, the student’s residence status is derived from that of the parent or legal guardian unless an exception applies. 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 RDD.

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 students under the age of 19, documents must be in the parent or legal guardian’s name unless an exception applies. Also, a parent or legal guardian’s immigration status does not preclude a student from establishing residency; therefore, the parent or legal guardian is not required to provide any immigration documents to demonstrate intent.

Evidence demonstrating intent to remain in the State of California indefinitely may vary from case to case, but will include, and is not necessarily limited to, the absence of residential ties to any other state, California voter registration and history of actually voting in California elections, maintaining California vehicle registration and driver’s license, maintaining active California bank accounts, filing California income tax returns and listing a California address on federal tax returns, owning residential property or occupying or renting a residence where permanent belongings are kept, maintaining active memberships in California professional or social organizations, and maintaining a permanent military address and home of record in California. For a complete list of acceptable supporting documents, please visit www.calstate.edu/residency under Intent.

Residency Exceptions and Exemptions

Students not classified as California residents for tuition purposes may qualify for an exception or an exemption from payment of nonresident tuition. Exceptions to the general residency requirements are contained in California Education Code sections 68070-68086 and California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Subchapter 5, Article 4, sections 41906- 41906.6, 41910. Whether an exception applies to a particular student can only be determined after the submission of an application for admission and, as necessary, additional supporting documentation. Because neither the university nor the Chancellor’s Office staff may give legal advice, applicants are strongly urged to review the material for themselves and consult with a legal advisor.

CalState TEACH operates on a trimester system. The residency determination dates for CalState TEACH are as follows:

Reclassification - Financial Independence (only applies to continuing students)

A student classified as a nonresident for a prior term may seek reclassification in any subsequent term; however, reclassification requires that, in addition to satisfying the requirements of physical presence and intent to remain indefinitely in the state, the student must also satisfy the requirement of financial independence as outlined in Title 5 CCR § 41905.5. To do so, the student must contact the appropriate person in the university admissions office and complete a Residency Questionnaire Form and provide supporting documents.

41905.5. Residence Reclassification - Financial Independence Requirement

• Any nonresident student requesting reclassification to resident for tuition purposes must demonstrate financial independence
• Student has not and will not be claimed as an exemption for state and federal tax purposes by his/her parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application
• Student has not and will not receive more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) per year in financial assistance from his/her parent in the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application
• Student has not lived and will not live for more than six weeks in the home of his/her parent during the calendar year the reclassification application is made and in any of the three calendar years prior to the reclassification application
• Note: Students who receive a government scholarship and/or financial assistance should be viewed the same as state and federal financial aid, and athletics grants-is-aid; and should not be counted as parental support.
• Effective Fall 2020 academic term, if the student meets at least one of the following criteria, the student does not have to meet the financial independence requirement. Student must provide the university admissions office supporting documents (e.g. state income tax returns, court documents, marriage certificate, military order form) that demonstrate they meet the criteria.
  • Dependent on a parent who has California residence for more than one year immediately preceding the residence determination date;
  • Enrolled in a graduate or post baccalaureate program, regardless of age;
  • Turned 24 years of age by the residence determination date;
  • Married or registered domestic partner as of the residence determination date;
  • Active duty members serving in the U.S Armed Forces;
  • Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces;
  • Legal dependent other than spouse or registered domestic partner;
  • Former ward of the court, foster youth or both parents are deceased;
  • Declared by a court to be an emancipated minor; or
  • Unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Residency Appeals

A student classified as a nonresident may appeal a final university decision within 30 days of notification by the university. Appeals will be accepted only if at least one of the following criteria applies:

1. The decisions was based on:
   1. A significant error of fact by the university;
   2. A significant procedural error by the university; or
   3. An incorrect application of the law which, if corrected would require that the student be reclassified as a California resident; and/or
   4. Significant new information, not previously known or available to the student, became available after the date of the university decision classifying the student as a nonresident and based on the new information, the classification as a nonresident is incorrect.

Instructions to submit an appeal and additional information can be found on the California Residency for Tuition Purposes Website.

Appeals via email, fax and U.S. mail will not be accepted. A student with a documented disability who is requesting an accommodation to submit an appeal through the California State University (CSU) website should contact Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at residencyappeals@calstate.edu.

The Office of the Chancellor will either decide the appeal or send the matter back to the university for further review.

A student incorrectly classified as a resident or incorrectly granted an exception from nonresident tuition is subject to reclassification as a nonresident or withdrawal of the exception and subject to payment of nonresident tuition in arrears. If incorrect classification results from false or concealed facts, the student may also be subject to discipline pursuant to Section 41301 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. A student previously classified as a resident or previously granted an exception is required to immediately notify the Admissions Office if the student has reason to believe that the student no longer qualifies as a resident or no longer meets the criteria for an exception.

Changes may have been made in the rate of nonresident tuition and in the statutes and regulations governing residency for tuition purposes in California between the time this information is published and the relevant residency determination date. Students are urged to review the statutes and regulations stated above.

Procedure for the Establishment or Abolishment of Campus-Based Mandatory Fees

The law governing the California State University provides that specific campus fees defined as mandatory, such as a student association fee and a student center fee, may be established. A student association fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose (Education Code, Section 89300). The university president may adjust the student association fee only after the fee adjustment has been approved by a majority of students voting in a referendum established for that purpose. The required fee shall be subject to referendum at any time upon the presentation of a petition to the university president containing the signatures of 10 percent of the regularly enrolled students at the university. Student body association fees support a variety of cultural and recreational programs, childcare centers, and special student support programs. A student body center fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose(Education Code, Section 89304). Once bonds are issued, authority to set and adjust student center fees is governed by provisions of the State University Revenue Bond Act of 1947, including, but not limited to, Education Code sections 90012, 90027, and 90068. A student success fee may be established or adjusted only after the university undertakes a rigorous consultation process and a fee referendum is held with a simple majority favorable vote (Education Code, Section 89712). The student success fee may be rescinded by a majority vote of the students only after six years have elapsed following the vote to implement the fee.

The process to establish and adjust other campus-based mandatory fees requires consideration by the campus fee advisory committee and a consultation or student referendum process as established by California State University Student Tuition and Fee Policy, Sections III & IV (or any successor policy). The university president may use consultation mechanisms if they determine that a referendum is not the best mechanism to achieve appropriate and meaningful consultation, and referendum is not required by the Education Code or Student Success Fee policy. Results of the referendum and the fee committee review are advisory to the university president. The president may adjust campus-based mandatory fees but must request the chancellor to establish a new mandatory fee. The president shall provide to the campus fee advisory committee a report of all campus-based mandatory fees. The university shall report annually to the chancellor a complete inventory of all campus-based mandatory fees.

For more information or questions, please contact the System Budget Office in the CSU Chancellor’s Office at csubudgetoffice@calstate.edu or (562) 951-4560.

Average Support Cost Per Full-time Equivalent Student and Sources of Funds

The total support cost per full-time equivalent student (FTES) includes the expenditures for current operations, including payments made to students in the form of financial aid, and all fully reimbursed programs contained in state appropriations. The average support cost is determined by dividing the total cost by the number of FTES. The total CSU 2023-24 budget amounts were $4,988,674,000 from state General Fund (GF) appropriations, $2,459,737,000 from gross tuition revenue, and $707,090,000 from other fee revenues for a total of $8,155,501,000 . The 2023-24 resident FTES target is 387,114 and the nonresident FTES based on past-year actual is 20,907 for a total of 408,021 FTES. The GF appropriation is applicable to resident students only whereas fee revenues are collected from resident and nonresident students. FTES is derived by dividing the total student credit units attempted by a fixed amount depending on academic level (e.g., 30 for a semester university and 45 for a quarter campus, the figures that define a full-time undergraduate or post baccalaureate student’s academic load).

1. Represents state GF appropriation in the Budget Act of 2023-24; GF is divisible by resident students only (387,114 FTES).

2. Represents CSU Operating Fund, gross tuition and other fees revenue amounts submitted in university September 2023-24 final budgets. Revenues are divisible by resident and nonresident students (408,021 FTES).

The 2023-24 average support cost per FTES based on GF appropriation and tuition fee revenue only is $18,915 and is $20,648, which includes all fee revenue (e.g, tuition fees, application fees, and campus mandatory fees) in the CSU Operating Fund. Of this amount, the average tuition and other fee revenue per FTES is $7,761.

The average CSU 2023-24 academic year, resident, undergraduate student basic tuition and other mandatory fees required to apply to, enroll in, or attend the university is $7,622 ($5,742 tuition fee plus $1,880 average campus-based fees). However, the costs paid by individual students will vary depending on the university, program, and whether a student is part-time, full-time, resident, or nonresident.

Selective Service

The federal Military Selective Service Act (the “Act”) requires most males residing in the United States to register themselves with the Selective Service System (SSS) within thirty days of their eighteenth birthdays. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. Males born after December 31, 1959, may be required to submit a statement of compliance with the Act. In California, students subject to the Act who fail to register are ineligible to receive any student grants funded by the state.

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. Applicants for financial aid can also request that information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the California Dream Application, be used to register them with the Selective Service. Information on the Selective Service System is available and the registration process may be initiated online.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

Salazar Hall
707 664-2389
Fax 707 664-4242
finaid@sonoma.edu
http://financialaid.sonoma.edu

By contacting the Financial Aid Office staff and accessing the office’s website, students and their families can find out about federal and state financial aid programs and, if eligible, be awarded monetary assistance to meet the costs of attending Sonoma State University. The staff is committed to providing each applicant with timely and efficient customer service, as well as ensuring that students have access to current and accurate information about the steps and deadlines for completing the financial aid application process.

Financial Aid Programs

Financial aid can be in the form of grants, loans, employment, and scholarships. Students may receive assistance from the following programs:

Federal Aid

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal TEACH Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants
• Federal Work Study (FWS)
• Federal Direct Student Loans
• Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students

State Aid

• Cal Grants A and B
• Middle Class Scholarship
• Child Development Teacher Grants
• Alan Pattee Scholarships
• Assumption Program of Loans for Education
• Graduate Assumption Program of Loans for Education
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships
• Educational Opportunity Program Grants
• Graduate Equity Fellowships
• State University Grant
• Professional Program Fee Grant

The Financial Aid Office has developed an informative and supportive website where students can find descriptions and specific eligibility requirements for the programs listed above. Students are encouraged to visit links provided on the website, to apply online, and to review the information about the California Student Aid Commission’s programs and information about federal financial aid.

Application Procedures for California Dream Act

Students who qualify for the waiver of non-resident tuition under AB540 may be eligible for the State University Grant, Cal Grant, or Middle Class Scholarship. Please review the information available at the California Student Aid Commission’s website, and complete the California Dream Act application available through their website. The priority deadline is March 2.

Please Note: Students who are eligible for federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA), as explained in the next section, not the Dream Act Application.

Application Procedures

All new and continuing financial aid applicants are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application. By submitting this single application, applicants will be considered for most of the federal and state financial aid programs that are listed above (excluding BIA and non-FWS employment). New applicants for Cal Grants must also file a California Student Aid Commission GPA Verification Form by March 2. The FAFSA or California Dream Act application asks for confidential information about family income, assets, household size, etc., which is used by the Financial Aid Office to establish financial need and determine what aid, if any, the student is eligible to receive.

FAFSA Applicants

To help avoid errors and to speed up processing of your FAFSA, apply online at studentaid.gov. You (and your parent, if you will be required to report your parents’ information) should also apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID) at Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID) so you can sign your FAFSA electronically.

California Dream Act Applicants

To help avoid errors and to speed up processing of your California Dream Act application, apply online at the California Student Aid Commission’s website.

Apply as early after October 1 as possible. Those who apply in October or November will have first priority to the available funding. To be considered for priority filing and to apply for a new Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship you must file your application by March 2.

The Financial Aid Office expects the student and the student’s family to make every effort possible to assist with the cost of the student’s education. Students who do not meet the federal/state definition of financial independence from their parents must provide parental financial data. This information, in addition to the student’s own resources, will be taken into consideration when determining a student’s eligibility for the various aid programs administered by the University. The student’s financial need is determined by subtracting those resources available for education from a standard student budget.

It is toward meeting this need—the difference between costs and resources—that financial aid is directed. Generally, the need is met by a “package”—loan, scholarship, employment, and/or grant. Notification of aid for the following year is sent to each applicant once the FAFSA or California Dream Act application has been received. This process usually begins in February for newly admitted students and in late March for continuing students.

Questions regarding a student’s eligibility or types of financial aid offered should be directed to the Financial Aid Office. Contact hours, phone numbers, and email addresses are available on the Financial Aid Office website.

Financial Aid Appeals

Students have the right to appeal their financial aid award or any other financial aid decision that they feel affects them adversely and that falls outside of the jurisdiction of federal, state, or Chancellor’s Office regulations. This right includes answers to questions, explanations of financial aid policies and procedures, and a request for reconsideration. The initial appeal is made to the student’s Financial Aid Representative.  The appeal is made to the student’s financial aid representative and ultimately it will be presented to the Financial Aid Committee.  Any decisions made by the Committee are final. 

Scholarship Programs

Scholarship Contact Information

Salazar Hall 1000
(707) 664-2261
scholarships@sonoma.edu
http://scholarships.sonoma.edu/

University Scholarship Program

The University Scholarship Program at Sonoma State is made possible through the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations who recognize the outstanding contributions made by the University and its graduates.

Scholarship applications are available beginning November 1 each year and are due February 1 of the application year. Students interested in applying for any of the awards offered through the University Scholarship Program may visit the scholarship office website.

Any incoming degree seeking student planning to attend Sonoma State University full-time beginning in the fall semester, whether entering or continuing, is eligible to apply. Entering students must have applied for admission to access the scholarship portal, but formal acceptance to SSU is not required by February 1.

Most University scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s academic record and overall achievements without special consideration of financial need. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale is required.

Questions about the scholarship program may be sent to scholarships@sonoma.edu or by calling (707) 664-2261.

Alan Pattee Scholarships

Children and spouses of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees who were California residents and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire prevention or suppression duties are not charged mandatory tuition fees (tuition fee and application fee) at any California State University campus, according to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, Education Code, Section 68120. Students qualifying for these benefits are known as Alan Pattee scholars. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions for an eligibility determination.

Departmental and Athletic Scholarships

Many departments at SSU offer scholarships to students within their majors. Athletic scholarships are also given. Contact your department or respective coach for more information.

External Scholarships

Community, social and service groups, employers, churches, and other organizations often provide scholarships. Applicants should check with their high school counselors or local foundations and community groups for more information as well as visit the External Scholarships resource page on the Scholarship Office website.

Note: Receipt of any scholarship may affect eligibility for certain financial aid. Recipients should check with the Financial Aid Office to determine their options.

Additional Work Opportunities

Employment is generally available in Sonoma County and the surrounding University service area to students with ability and initiative. The Career Center can be helpful in referring interested students to part-time job opportunities. Please see the Career Center website for more information.

Availability of Institutional and Financial Assistance Information

The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from the Director of Financial Aid, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2389:

• A description of the federal, state, institutional, local, and private student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at Sonoma State University;
• For each aid program, a description of procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance, student eligibility requirements, criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants, and criteria for determining the amount of a student’s award;
• A description of the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including federal Title IV student assistance programs, and the criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;
• Provide information to students about the institution’s satisfactory academic progress standards that students must maintain for the purpose of receiving financial assistance and criteria by which the student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance (appeals process);
• The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to students and the frequency of those disbursements;
• The way the school provides for Pell-eligible students to obtain or purchase required books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period and how the student may opt out;
• The terms of any loan received as part of the student’s financial aid package, a sample loan repayment schedule, and the necessity for repaying loans;
• The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided as part of the student’s financial aid package;
• The terms and conditions of the loans students receive under the Direct Loan Program;
• The exit counseling information the school provides and collects for student borrowers; and
• Contact information for university offices available for disputes concerning federal, institutional and private loans.

Information concerning the cost of attending Sonoma State University is available from the Seawolf Service Center, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2308, and includes

• Tuition and fees;
• The estimated costs of books and supplies;
• Estimates of typical student room, board, and transportation costs; and
• If requested, additional costs for specific programs.

Information concerning the refund policies of Sonoma State University for the return of unearned tuition and charges or other refundable portions of institutional charges is available from the Seawolf Service Center, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2308.

Information concerning policies regarding the return of federal Title IV student assistance funds as required by regulation is available from the Director of Financial Aid, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2389.

Information regarding special facilities and services available to students with disabilities may be obtained from the Director, Disability Services for Students, Schulz 1014a, (707) 664-2677.

Information concerning Sonoma State University policies, procedures, and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus may be obtained from the University Police, located in Verdot Village, (707) 664-4444.

Information concerning Sonoma State University Annual Campus Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the University Police, located in Verdot Village, (707) 664-4444.

Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and rehabilitation programs may be obtained from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Center 3021, (707) 664-2838.

Information regarding student retention and graduation rates at Sonoma State University and, if available, the number and percent age of students completing the program in which the student is enrolled or has expressed interest in may be obtained from the Director, Reporting and Analytics, Stevenson 1024, (707) 664-3350.

Information concerning athletic opportunities available to male and female students and the financial resources and personnel that Sonoma State University dedicates to its men’s and women’s teams may be obtained from the Senior Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, P.E. 21, (707) 664-2521.

Information concerning teacher preparation programs at Sonoma State University, including the pass rate on teacher certification examinations, may be obtained from the Dean, School of Education, Stevenson 1078, (707) 664-3115.

Information concerning grievance procedures for students who feel aggrieved in their relationships with the University, its policies, practices, procedures, or its faculty and staff, may be obtained from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Center 3021, (707) 664-2838.

Information concerning student activities that Sonoma State University provides, must be easily accessible on http://www.sonoma.edu/students.

Information concerning student body diversity at Sonoma State University, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students who are (1) male, (2) female, (3) Pell Grant recipients, and (4) self-identified members of a specific racial or ethnic group, must be obtained at http://www.sonoma.edu/about/diversity.

The federal Military Selective Service Act (the “Act”) requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. Males born after December 31, 1959, may be required to submit a statement of compliance with the Act and regulations in order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under specified provisions of existing federal law. In California, students subject to the Act who fail to register are also ineligible to receive any need-based student grants funded by the state or a public post secondary institution.

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. Applicants for financial aid can also request that information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be used to register them with the Selective Service. Information on the Selective Service System is available and the registration process may be initiated online.