What Aid Is Available
Undocumented students cannot access federal financial aid — no Pell Grants, no federal student loans, no work-study through FAFSA. But federal aid is not the only option. In California, there is a substantial parallel system of state and institutional aid that does not require a Social Security Number or lawful immigration status.
The Bottom Line
If you qualify for AB 540, you pay in-state tuition at all California public colleges and universities. If you apply through CADAA (not FAFSA), you can access Cal Grants and institutional aid. Many undocumented students at UCs and CSUs pay little to nothing after this aid is applied — particularly at community colleges.
| Aid Type | Who Qualifies | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AB 540 in-state tuition | 3 years CA high school + graduation/GED | Saves thousands per year vs. out-of-state rates |
| Cal Grant A | AB 540 + CADAA application + income eligibility | Up to $9,358/year at UC, up to $5,742/year at CSU |
| Cal Grant B | AB 540 + CADAA + very low income | Up to $1,648/year access grant + tuition waiver |
| Community College Fee Waiver (CA) | AB 540 + CADAA + income eligibility | Full tuition waiver at California community colleges |
| UC/CSU Institutional Aid | Varies by school, based on CADAA | Varies — many schools meet 100% of demonstrated need |
| Private scholarships | Varies by scholarship | $500 to $20,000+ per year |
AB 540 — In-State Tuition
AB 540 (California Education Code Section 68130.5) allows undocumented students who meet certain criteria to pay in-state tuition rates at California public colleges and universities — the same rates that California citizens and permanent residents pay. This can save tens of thousands of dollars per year.
AB 540 Eligibility Requirements
You qualify for AB 540 if you meet all of these:
- Attended a California high school for at least 3 years
- Graduated from a California high school, earned a GED, or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
- Registered at a California community college, CSU, or UC
- If you have lawful immigration status, you are pursuing legalization
You do not need to be a California resident to qualify. You just need the 3-year high school attendance. Most undocumented students who went to high school in California qualify.
How to Use AB 540
When you enroll at a California college, submit the AB 540 Affidavit (also called the "Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request") to the admissions or financial aid office. This form certifies that you meet the criteria. Once approved, you are charged in-state tuition rates automatically.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is the state financial aid application for undocumented students who qualify for AB 540. It is the equivalent of FAFSA — but for students who cannot file FAFSA. Submitting CADAA is how you access Cal Grants and institutional aid at California public colleges.
CADAA Deadline: March 2
The California Dream Act Application deadline is March 2 each year — the same as FAFSA. Filing late significantly reduces your chances of receiving a Cal Grant. Set a reminder and file on or before March 2.
What CADAA Unlocks
- Cal Grant A — tuition assistance for students at UC, CSU, and private colleges
- Cal Grant B — living expenses and tuition for very low-income students
- Community College Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver — full tuition waiver at California community colleges
- UC and CSU institutional grants — many campuses award additional grant aid based on CADAA
- Cal Grant C — occupational and vocational training programs
How to Apply
Apply at the California Student Aid Commission website (csac.ca.gov). You will need:
- Your Social Security Number is not required — leave that field blank or write "000-00-0000"
- Parent financial information (even if parents are undocumented)
- The school code for the California college you are applying to
- Your AB 540 affidavit (or confirmation that you have submitted it)
Private Scholarships
Hundreds of private scholarships exist specifically for undocumented and DACA students. These do not require a SSN, do not require lawful immigration status, and can be combined with Cal Grants and other state aid. Below are some of the most established ones.
National Scholarships
- TheDream.US Scholarship — for DACA and TPS holders; up to $16,500 over 4 years at partner schools
- Golden Door Scholars — for undocumented students; merit-based; full tuition + mentorship
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) — some programs open to DACA holders; up to $5,000/year
- Immigrants Rising Emergency Fund — financial support for undocumented California students facing emergencies
California-Specific Scholarships
- AB 540 scholarships — many UC and CSU campuses have dedicated funds for AB 540 students
- MALDEF Dream Act Scholarship — for undocumented students in California pursuing higher education
- Community Foundation scholarships — many local community foundations in California have scholarships open to undocumented students
Strategy
Apply to many scholarships — most are under $5,000 but they add up. Use your school's financial aid office as a resource; UC and CSU campuses often maintain lists of scholarships available to AB 540 students. Many campus-based scholarships are not publicly advertised and go unclaimed each year.