Start Here With the California Dream Act
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is a state financial aid application operated by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) that allows undocumented and other eligible non-citizen students to apply for state, institutional, and private financial aid in California.
The priority deadline for CADAA is March 2nd each year for most universities. Students who miss the priority deadline may still apply after the priority deadline, though they may miss out on priority state-funded grants.
So, while undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid or the FAFSA, they are eligible for state financial aid through the CADAA.
Who Qualifies for the California Dream Act?
To qualify for financial aid through the California Dream Act, you generally must meet AB 540 requirements.
AB 540 allows eligible students without lawful immigration status to request an exemption from paying nonresident tuition at California public colleges and universities
Under the requirements provided by CSUSB, you must:
- Have attended a California high school for at least three years or meet the requirements established under AB 2000.
- Have graduated from a California high school, passed the General Educational Development (GED) test or passed the California High School Proficiency Examination.
If you qualify, you'll need to complete the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request, also called the AB 540 Affidavit, and submit it with any required documents to the CSUSB Office of Admissions and Student Recruitment.
How Do I Apply for California Dream Act Financial Aid?
Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
The application asks for information about you and your financial circumstances to help determine which types of state financial aid you may qualify for.
The source materials list March 2 as the priority deadline. Check the current deadline for the academic year you're applying for.
What Financial Aid Can I Receive?
The California Dream Act can connect eligible students with several types of financial aid to help cover college costs. Depending on your eligibility, you may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans and other support designed to make your education more affordable.
Grants and Scholarships
Grants and scholarships are often called “gift aid” because you generally don't have to pay the money back as long as you meet the program's requirements.
- State University Grant (SUG)
- Cal Grant
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant
- Middle Class Scholarship
- Chafee Grant
- CSUSB scholarships
- Private scholarships
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant
Want to make a difference in your community while earning money for college?
The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) provides financial assistance to eligible California Dream Act students who complete community or volunteer service.
If you qualify, you may receive:
- Up to $3,000 per academic year
- Up to $1,500 per semester
- Funding for up to eight semesters while you have an active Cal Grant B award
The program information provided states that CSAC awards grants to up to 2,500 eligible students.
You'll need to apply each year to participate.
To qualify, you must:
- Complete and submit a California Dream Act Application for the academic year.
- Have an active Cal Grant B award for that academic year.
- Demonstrate sufficient financial need.
- Complete at least 150 hours of qualifying community or volunteer service per semester.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements, which means making the academic progress required to remain eligible for financial aid.
You can complete your service through an eligible organization, such as:
- A nonprofit organization recognized under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
- A federal, state or local government agency.
- A school included on CSAC's list of Cal Grant-eligible schools.
The organization must also:
- Have been established for at least two years before you begin your service.
- Offer service opportunities related to your field of study or that help meet a community need.
- Be registered with the California Student Aid Commission.
Step 1: Apply for the Grant
Complete the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant application through CSAC.
Apply for the Service Incentive Grant
Step 2: Complete Your Community Service Hours
Complete at least 150 hours of qualifying community or volunteer service per semester.
Step 3: Request Your Payment
Once you've completed the required service hours, submit a Payment Request Form to receive your grant payment.
The California Student Aid Commission has additional program details, frequently asked questions and application information.
Website: https://www.csac.ca.gov/dsig
Phone: 888-224-7268
Email: studentsupport@csac.ca.gov
California Dream Loan Program
If grants and scholarships don't cover all your college expenses, a California Dream Loan may help fill the gap.
Established under California Senate Bill 1210 (SB 1210), the program offers subsidized student loans to eligible students who meet AB 540 and California Dream Loan requirements.
Unlike grants and scholarships, a California Dream Loan is money you borrow and must repay with interest. Before accepting a loan, make sure you understand how much you're borrowing and your repayment responsibilities.
Learn More About California Dream Loan
Scholarships for Dreamers
Scholarships are another way to help pay for college, and you generally don't have to pay them back.
CSUSB Scholarships
If you're an AB 540 or DACA student, you may qualify for CSUSB scholarships.
You can apply for scholarships that match your eligibility, including some that are based on financial need.
Additional Scholarship Resources
Additional scholarship opportunities may be located at the Undocumented Student Success Center.
Each scholarship has its own eligibility requirements and deadlines, so be sure to review the details before applying.
California Dream Act FAQs
Yes, you may qualify! If you meet AB 540 and California Dream Act requirements, you may be eligible for an exemption from nonresident tuition and certain types of state financial aid.
You may also qualify for CSUSB scholarships.
If you don't meet AB 540 requirements, you can still explore private scholarships that don't require U.S. citizenship or residency.
You must meet the applicable AB 540 requirements to qualify for financial aid through the California Dream Act.
You can also explore scholarships that don't require U.S. citizenship or residency, if you meet their other eligibility requirements.
Start by completing the California Dream Act Application through the California Student Aid Commission.
If you want to be considered for a Cal Grant, you'll also need to complete the required GPA verification process.
You can apply separately for CSUSB scholarships through MyCoyote.
Follow the application checklist above to make sure you don't miss any important steps.
You can still submit your California Dream Act Application after the priority deadline.
However, some financial aid funding is limited, so applying late may mean less funding is available.
Cal Grants and campus scholarships have their own deadlines, so be sure to check the requirements for each program.
A Social Security number issued through DACA for employment purposes doesn't automatically make you eligible for federal financial aid.
If you meet California Dream Act requirements, complete the California Dream Act Application to be considered for eligible state financial aid.
Need Help with Your Financial Aid?
Have questions about California Dream Act eligibility, applying for financial aid or your financial aid offer?
The CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you understand your options and next steps.
You can also find more information about California Dream Act programs and eligibility through the California Student Aid Commission.
