[Saving in So Cal]

If this happens to you and you are asked to pay, you might contact your state's labor department to see if this type of practice is permitted in your state. In those states with good worker protections (or that don't think it's a good idea to have impediments to a person's ability to find work) probably do not permit such costs to be passed on to employees. I wouldn't be surprised if that's why the University made an "exception" in your case.