2008 Woodie Awards
FC Attentive to Immigrant Student Needs
AB 540 bill gives immigrant students a way to help pay for college.
David Stelzmuller
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: News
In October 2001, the governor signed into law California Assembly Bill 540.
This law made tuition rates more affordable for immigrant students attending accredited colleges and universities in California. It does so by enabling them to pay in-state tuition rates which are drastically lower.
Students qualify for the benefits of AB 540 if they have attended a California high school for three or more years, have graduated from a California high school or have a GED.
They must also be registered or enrolled at an accredited college or university in the California college system, and sign a statement with the college or university stating that he or she will apply for legal residency as soon as possible.
This was a watershed moment for the California education system because it made higher education a possibility for tens of thousands of students in California.
Out of state tuition rates are significantly higher than domestic rates.
Fullerton College has a growing population of AB 540 students that is more than 500 strong.
The student population that AB 540 is applicable to includes Latino, Asian, Indian and Canadian students.
The bill also includes students of all nationalities that have moved away from California and then returned to pursue their education.
Although these students are eligible for the discounted tuition rates they are not currently entitled to the Governor's fee waiver or any Cal Grant money.
This puts low-income AB 540 students at a decided disadvantage from their peers, but Fullerton College's financial aide office has been doing their part to help.
Last year with the help of the Fullerton College Foundation, the financial aide office was able to raise $3000 enabling them to give out Last year with the help of the Fullerton College Foundation, the financial aide office was able to raise $3000 enabling them to give out six $500 scholarships. Bob Miranda, Director of Financial Aid, is hoping that his office can provide at least the same amount of aid to AB 540 students this year, potentially more.
This law made tuition rates more affordable for immigrant students attending accredited colleges and universities in California. It does so by enabling them to pay in-state tuition rates which are drastically lower.
Students qualify for the benefits of AB 540 if they have attended a California high school for three or more years, have graduated from a California high school or have a GED.
They must also be registered or enrolled at an accredited college or university in the California college system, and sign a statement with the college or university stating that he or she will apply for legal residency as soon as possible.
This was a watershed moment for the California education system because it made higher education a possibility for tens of thousands of students in California.
Out of state tuition rates are significantly higher than domestic rates.
Fullerton College has a growing population of AB 540 students that is more than 500 strong.
The student population that AB 540 is applicable to includes Latino, Asian, Indian and Canadian students.
The bill also includes students of all nationalities that have moved away from California and then returned to pursue their education.
Although these students are eligible for the discounted tuition rates they are not currently entitled to the Governor's fee waiver or any Cal Grant money.
This puts low-income AB 540 students at a decided disadvantage from their peers, but Fullerton College's financial aide office has been doing their part to help.
Last year with the help of the Fullerton College Foundation, the financial aide office was able to raise $3000 enabling them to give out Last year with the help of the Fullerton College Foundation, the financial aide office was able to raise $3000 enabling them to give out six $500 scholarships. Bob Miranda, Director of Financial Aid, is hoping that his office can provide at least the same amount of aid to AB 540 students this year, potentially more.
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