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Census 2020

Census 2020

 Be Counted CSUSM

The U.S. Census is used to count the population within the United States. Every ten years, people are asked to fill out a Census form in order to receive an accurate count of all the people in the United States. Data collected from the Census survey is used to allocate funds and representatives in Congress. 

Every person brings up to $1,250 to California when they are counted. Based on information collected from the Census data federal funding is allocated to provide community services such as education and health programs, roads, and infrastructure support.

At CSUSM we want to be sure everyone is counted on Census Day, April 1, 2020. Complete the Census survey based on where you live and sleep the majority of the year.

COMPLETE THE CENSUS ONLINE TODAY AT MY2020CENSUS.GOV. 


For college students impacted by school and university closures due to COVID-19 precautions, they should be counted where they live and go to school the majority of the time. Despite returning home or staying at a friends house during this precautionary time, students should complete the Census at their primary residence.

Review the U.S. Census Bureau statement on modifying Census operations to make sure college students are counted.

Need assistance completing the Census? Call the Bilingual (English and Spanish) 2020 Census Information Hotline: 877-EL-CENSO (877-352-3676) – Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. ET to get additional information. Provided by NALEO Education Fund.

How You, Your Community, and Campus Benefit from Census Data

Learn more about the resources you bring to your community by being counted in the Census at CountMe2020.org. 

The Census Bureau's mission is the serve as the leading source of quality data about the nation's people and economy. The Census Bureau conducts the decennial Census, the American Community Survey, the economic Census, and many other surveys. Federal funds, grants, and support to states, counties, academia, and communities are based on population totals and breakdowns by sex, age, race, and other factors.

College students

benefit from Federal student loans, legislation, campus funding, campus improvements, and health and social services.

 

Local government officials

use the Census to ensure public safety, provide health care, and improve schools and hospital facilities.

Your data are confidential

Federal law protects your Census responses. Your answers can only be used to produce statistics

Businesses

use the Census data to decide where to build factories, offices, and stores that create jobs and serve local communities.

It's in the Constitution

The U.S. Constitution requires a Census every 10 years. The Census covers the entire country and everyone living here. The first census was in 1790.

City planners and Real Estate developers

use the Census to improve transportation and infrastructure, including affordable housing.

Higher Education Toolkit

Why the Census Matters to College Students

The Census is not just about representation, it is about allocation of funds. In order to ensure each state, city and county receives adequate amount of funding to meet the needs of their population, the Census count, will determine the amount of funding given toward federal student loans, campus, funding, health and social services, and future careers.

Understand Student Impact on the Census

Quick Facts:

  • 3 million college students in California are attending universities, colleges, and community colleges
  • California has nearly 40 million residents, comprising 12% of the country's population.
  • THe U.S. Census Bureau considers college students among the hardest-to-count populations to survey.
  • Census survey data are one factor to determine the funding for many programs in higher education.

CA Complete Count Census 2020 needs your help because you care about:

  • Federal student loan
  • Federal research grants
  • Campus funding
  • Campus improvements, including labs, buildings, and classrooms
  • Health and social services
  • Federal legislation
  • Students' future careers - many professionals are heavily dependent on Federal funding (e.g., medicine, social work, nursing, science, research, or public health)

The Census is also important for:

Redistricting. After each Census, state officials use the results to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts, adapting to population shifts.

Fair representation. Every 10 years, the results of the Census are used to reapportion the House of Representatives, determine how many seats each state gets.

Billions of dollars at stake. Census data determine the allocation of billions of dollars to support your state, county, and community's vital programs.

Learn more about Census outreach efforts from the Higher Education Toolkit for the 2020 Census.

How to Fill Out the Census

Check you mail starting on March 12 for a U.S. Census Postcard or Paper invitation with your unique Census ID number. You will need this unique number to complete your Census Questionnaire.

Everyone should fill out the form according to where they live or sleep most of the time on April 1, 2020.

  • Living on-campus and away from home 
    • The University will work with you to be counted with the U.S. Census office. Be sure to check your email for instructions on how to be counted.
    • You should count yourself at your on-campus address, even if you spend time elsewhere during breaks.
  • Living off-campus with roommates
    • If you live off-campus one (1) person from your household will fill out the census. You will get a postcard in the mail around March 2020 inviting you to fill out the form online, by paper/mail, or by phone.
    • Talk to your roommates about the census and make sure everyone in your household is counted.
    • Talk to your parents/family and tell them not to include you in their household count.
    •  You should count yourself at your on-campus address, even if you spend time elsewhere during breaks.
  • Living off-campus with your family
    • If you live the majority of your time at your family or guardian's residence, you should be counted in their household.
  • Military Affiliated
    • People who live in housing units at military installations will be able to respond to the 2020 Census online, by phone, or by mail—just like those who live outside military installations.

Questions or Comments?

If you have questions about any content on this page or if you are interested in listing your event at this site, contact Rochelle Smarr at civiclearning@csusm.edu or (760) 750-8700.