Themes/Topics: Higher Education
Geography: California
Audience: Ally, Educator, Undocumented Youth
CA Dream Act (State-Based Financial Aid)
The CA Dream Act allows eligible undocumented students to apply for and receive state-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. Its passage symbolizes a milestone victory for undocumented students and allies who organized and advocated for increased access to college in the state.
The CA Dream Act can help you as an undocumented student attend college!
The types of aid included in the CA Dream Act are Cal Grants, UC Grants, State University Grants, the California College Promise Grant, EOP or EOPS grants. It also includes the Middle-Class Scholarships and school-specific scholarships. The CA Dream Act can also give you access to Dream Loans at the CSU or UC, even if you are undocumented.
Read Types of Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students in California
Who Can Apply for the CA Dream Act?
Undocumented students must meet the eligibility criteria for AB 540 or be U-Visa holders to apply for and receive California state financial aid. The CA Dream Act allows students to receive state and institutional grants if they meet income guidelines, apply by the priority deadlines, and complete all necessary paperwork on time.
Read Understand the Differences: In-State Tuition vs CA Dream Act vs DACA
If you have questions about your eligibility, check out this chart that compares AB 540, the CA Dream Act, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in more detail.
Note: Be aware that DACA does not give students eligibility for the FAFSA or any federal financial aid. You also don’t need DACA to qualify for AB 540 and the CA Dream Act.
Read FAFSA vs CA Dream Act: Apply to the Correct Financial Aid in CA
If you have questions about which financial aid application you should complete (FAFSA vs CA Dream Act Application) or have questions about your eligibility, use this guide to be sure you submit the correct application to be considered for all the financial aid you may be eligible for.
What if you don’t qualify for the CA Dream Act?
Don’t give up! All undocumented students can go to college and receive private or institutional scholarships! Check out our detailed list of undergraduate and graduate scholarships that don’t require proof of citizenship.
CA Dream Act Application Timeline
You can use our CA Dream Act Application Map to identify all the necessary steps in each phase of the application process.
Phase 1: Apply for the CA Dream Act. October 1 – March 2
Download Step 1: CA Dream Act Application Checklist
Completing the CA Dream Act is only the first step to applying for institutional and state financial aid. Follow this checklist to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship.
Phase 2: Verify Your GPA. October 1 – March 2
Download Step 2: Cal Grant Checklist
Applying for the CA Dream Act as a high school senior or transfer student is the only opportunity AB 540 and undocumented students have to receive the Cal Grant. This checklist helps students identify the necessary steps to apply for the Cal Grant.
Phase 3: Claim Your Financial Aid. March – May
Read Verifying Your Income for the CA Dream Act Application
After you submit your CA Dream Act application, some students will be required to complete income verification. Should you get selected for verification, you must answer all questions, which usually include household size, assets, information for tax filers and non-tax filers, and specific requirements for dependent or independent students.
Phase 4: Use Your Financial Aid. May – September
Read Types of Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students in California
The types of financial aid undocumented students can apply for depends on their residency status. The CA Dream Act, which requires students to meet AB 540 eligibility, increases the options for state financial aid.
For more information, check out CSAC’s Resources for CA Dream Act Application.
