Understanding Residency

What is residency for tuition purposes?

The University of California (UC) is a public university, and charges different tuition for resident and nonresident students. For most students this is simple, but for others with more unique circumstances, this decision process can be more complex. UC determines if you are a resident for tuition purposes—that is, whether you qualify for resident or nonresident tuition through your completion of the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR).

The term “resident for purposes of tuition” is different from other definitions of California residence. For example, a person who is a California resident for tax or voting purposes is not necessarily a resident for purposes of tuition at the University of California.

Undergraduate admissions offices also have a different definition of residence. For example, there are a number of questions about residency on the application for undergraduate admission. UC uses those answers to assess admissions requirements, but this information isn't used to determine residency for purposes of tuition.

The UC Residence Policy and Guidelines (pdf) provides additional context and guidance about this process. Learn more about the process of filing your Statement of Legal Residence (SLR).

 

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Updated: January 2026