California DREAM ACT
The California Dream Act of 2011 became law through the passage of two assembly state bills: AB 130 relating to private scholarships and AB 131 relating to financial aid administered by the State of California.
The California Dream Act allows students who meet certain criteria (as defined by AB 540) to apply for and, if eligible, receive-
- Privately funded scholarships at public universities (beginning with CSUSB scholarships awarded for 2013-2014 academic year)
- CSUSB financial aid State University Grant (SUG) (beginning with awards for 2013 Winter semester)
State financial aid such as Cal Grants, EOP and Chafee (beginning with awards for the 2013-2014 academic year)
California DREAM Loan Program
Under SB 1210, a new type of financial aid assistance for DREAM students called the California DREAM Loan Program is now available. The California Dream Loan is a subsidized loan program for undergraduate students with a valid California Dream Act application* and a valid AB540 affidavit on file with their University.
The purpose of the California DREAM Loan Program is to ensure that students who meet AB-540 criteria and DREAM Loan eligibility requirements have access to additional forms of funding to help them afford a public higher education.
About the DREAM Loan
The California Dream Loan is borrowed money you must repay with interest. The interest rate for 2026-27 is 6.52%. The interest rate for the California Dream Loan corresponds with the interest rate on Federal Direct Subsidized loan and is subject to change annually. The California Dream Loan does not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time, during periods of approved deferment, and during the 6-month grace period before you enter repayment. You will be responsible for the interest charged at all other times.
DREAM Loan Requirements
To accept your California Dream Loan, you must log in to your My Coyote portal and accept the loan offer within 30 days of the award in order to receive funding. You may decline the loan offer or accept less than what is offered to you, but funds are limited and you may not be able to increase your loan at a later time.
Students who accept the California Dream loan must complete a promissory note and entrance counseling. If you fail to complete all the required steps to receive your loan funds by the assigned deadline, CSUSB may cancel the loan offer. Funds are limited and you may not be awarded the funds again at a later date.
To complete your California Dream Loan Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling please visit ECSI.
Note: ECSI will email a pin number to access your promissory note and loan entrance. Use your Coyote ID not a social security number to complete the process.
Receipt of funds in one year does not guarantee availability or receipt of funds in subsequent years.
Qualifications for DREAM Loan
Please note: all financial aid recipients, including California Dream Loan borrowers, must meet basic eligibility criteria.
- Submit a DREAM Act by March 2 priority deadline through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
- Demonstrate financial need
- Meets Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Enrolled in at least 6 units
- Not in default on a student loan
6. A valid AB540 Affidavit on file (T and U Visa eligible) with CSUSB
*T-Visa holders should file a FAFSA and may also be considered for CA Dream Loan eligibility.
To find out more about the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program, please click on the link.
To find out more about the DREAM US Scholarship, please visit the link.
Undocumented Student Success Center
For information regarding the CSUSB's Undocumented Student Success Center, please call 909-537-5937. The center is located in the Santos Manuel Student Union, Room 102B.
The Undocumented Student Success Center is dedicated to help our undocumented student population. The Center provides a safe space where students who share a common interest can connect with others and find resources such as: California Dream Act information, financial aid and scholarships, employment and internship opportunities, immigration services, and other resources that will help achieve student success.
