Can Undocumented Students Go to College?
Yes. Undocumented students can attend college in the United States. There is no federal law that prohibits colleges from admitting undocumented students. The challenge is paying for it - federal financial aid (FAFSA) is not available to undocumented students. But California has built one of the strongest state-level support systems in the country.
The Two Laws That Make It Possible in California
AB 540 - Allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at California public colleges and universities, instead of the much higher non-resident rate.
California Dream Act (CADAA) - Allows AB 540-eligible students to apply for state financial aid, including Cal Grants, scholarships, fee waivers, and loans.
💡 Privacy Protection
Information you provide on the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is protected by California state law and will not be shared with federal immigration agencies. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has confirmed this explicitly. Your CADAA data is used only to determine financial aid eligibility.
AB 540 - In-State Tuition
AB 540 (and its amendments AB 2000 and SB 68) allows undocumented students who meet California residency requirements to pay in-state tuition at UC, CSU, and community colleges. This can save tens of thousands of dollars per year.
AB 540 Eligibility Requirements
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✓3+ years of California schooling Attended a California high school, community college, adult school, or combination of these for three or more years total.
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✓Graduated or equivalent Graduated from a California high school, earned a GED, earned an Associate's degree from a California community college, or met transfer requirements from a California community college.
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✓Registered or will register at a California college Must be enrolled or intending to enroll at a qualifying California public or private college.
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✓No valid non-immigrant visa You must not hold an A, B, F, J, or other non-immigrant visa. TPS and U-Visa holders are eligible.
To claim the exemption, submit an AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit to the Admissions & Records office at your college. This form states that you will apply to legalize your immigration status when eligible.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
If you qualify for AB 540, you are also eligible to apply for state financial aid through the CADAA - California's alternative to FAFSA for undocumented students. You cannot file FAFSA as an undocumented student. File the CADAA instead.
Financial Aid Available Through CADAA
Cal Grant A
Covers systemwide tuition at UC or CSU for eligible students. Based on financial need and GPA. Can be held in reserve while at community college until you transfer.
Cal Grant B
Provides a living expense stipend for community college students. Converts to tuition assistance when you transfer to a UC or CSU.
California College Promise Grant
Waives the $46/unit enrollment fee at California Community Colleges. Available to eligible AB 540 students regardless of income in some cases.
California DREAM Loan
State-funded loan program for Dream Act-eligible students at UC and CSU campuses. Maximum $20,000 total. Interest rate matches federal subsidized loans.
UC Blue & Gold Plan
UC system program that covers all systemwide tuition for California residents (including AB 540 students) with family incomes under $80,000/year through grants and scholarships.
Dream Act Service Incentive Grant
Additional grant for Cal Grant B recipients who complete community service hours. Available for up to 12 quarters.
How to Apply - CADAA
Go to dream.csac.ca.gov
The CADAA opens every October 1st for the following academic year. Create an account and start your application. You must reapply every year.
File by the March 2nd Priority Deadline
Filing before March 2nd maximizes your aid eligibility, especially for Cal Grant A and B entitlement awards. You can still apply after this date but may not qualify for all programs.
Submit Your GPA Verification Form
Your high school or college must verify your GPA and submit it to CSAC. Ask your school's counselor to complete this by the priority deadline. This is required for Cal Grant consideration.
Submit Your AB 540 Affidavit
Bring your completed AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit to your college's Admissions & Records office. This confirms your eligibility for in-state tuition and state aid.
Review Your Aid Award
CSAC will notify you of your award. Check your student portal for your financial aid package and accept or decline each component. Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid - loans do.
⚠ Do Not File FAFSA
Undocumented students without a valid SSN should NOT file a FAFSA. Filing a FAFSA with incorrect or borrowed SSN information is fraud and can have serious consequences. File the CADAA instead. If you have DACA, you also file the CADAA - not FAFSA - even if you have an SSN.
Scholarships for Undocumented Students
Hundreds of private scholarships are available specifically for undocumented and DACA students. These do not require an SSN and are not affected by federal immigration policy. Some to know:
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★TheDream.US National Scholarship One of the largest scholarship programs for DREAMers. Awards up to $33,000 for a four-year degree. Open to DACA and TPS holders. Visit thedream.us.
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★Golden Door Scholars Full scholarships for undocumented students at partner colleges. Includes mentorship and career support. Visit goldendoorscholars.org.
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★Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) California-based organization offering scholarships and resources specifically for undocumented students. Visit e4fc.org.
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★College/University Institutional Aid Many UC and CSU campuses have their own undocumented student scholarship funds. Contact your campus Undocumented Student Center or financial aid office directly.
⚠ AB 540 Legal Challenge - November 2025
In November 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit challenging California's AB 540 in-state tuition policy. However, this lawsuit does not currently affect students' ability to receive in-state tuition or apply for state aid. AB 540 and CADAA remain fully active. California has pledged to defend the policy. Continue applying as usual and check for updates at csac.ca.gov.