undocumented-dreamer-students
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption
Education Code § 68130.5, as amended, commonly known as AB 540
California Nonresident Tuition Exemption commonly known as AB 540, exempts certain students from paying nonresident tuition (higher than resident tuition) and/or allows them to apply and receive state aid at certain California public and private colleges.
Satisfy either items 1 or 2 (Time and Coursework Requirement)
1. Three (3) or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of equivalent credits earned in California from the following schools (or any combination thereof):
A. High School *
B. Adult School *
C. Community College (credit or non-credit courses) **
or
2. Three (3) or more years of full-time high school coursework and attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or high school in California for a combined total of three (3) or more years.
Financial Aid for Undocumented/Dreamer Students
There are many financial aid options for undocumented/dreamer students, both through CSAC and through colleges themselves
There are many financial aid opportunities for undocumented/dreamer students including: Cal Grant, Chafee Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, UC Grants, State University Grants, California College Promise Grant (CCPG), EOP/EOPS, some University scholarships and some private scholarships administered by campuses.
Resources for California Dream Act Application
Resources for undocumented/dreamer students filling out the California Dream Act Application
- California Dream Act FAQ's
- Parental Signature Form
- Joint Message from CDE and CSAC for Dreamers
- 10 things about the California Dream Act
- 10 things about the Cal Grant
- 10 things about the Cal Grant C
- 10 things about the Middle Class Scholarship
- Chapter 604 Statues of 2011, CA Education Code
- California Dream Act Application – Common Issues
- 2022-23 English Paper Application
- 2022-23 Spanish Paper Application
- CA Dream Act Application Name/Date of Birth Change Request (G-19)
- 2022-23 Dream Application Worksheet
- 2023-24 English Paper Application
- 2023-24 Spanish Paper Application
- CDE and CSAC Joint Statement on the CADAA in Spanish
- Learn More
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal process that defers removal action of an individual by USCIS for a specified number of years
DACA is a federal process that defers removal action of an individual by USCIS for a specified number of years. It is important to note that DACA is not the same as financial aid and Undocumented/Dreamer students should still submit a CA Dream Act Application and Non-SSN GPA instead of a FAFSA.