Financial Aid - The California Dream Act
The California Dream Act allows eligible AB 540 students to apply for financial aid. For more information and for free, one-on-one assistance in beginning the application process, visit the California Community Colleges icanaffordcollege.com website, which is available in English, Spanish and traditional Chinese.
Note: The filling period for the Dream Act is between October and March 2nd annually. Students are encouraged to apply on time in order to receive the maximum financial aid such as Cal Grant A, B, or C and the California Promise Grant.
Information found on the Immigrants Rising page. For a CA Dream Act Overview see below.
CA DREAM ACT (STATE BASED FINANCIAL AID)
The California Dream Act allows some undocumented students to apply for and receive state-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. Passing the California Dream Act symbolizes a milestone victory for undocumented students and allies in California who organized and advocated for increased access to college. This represents a critical investment in undocumented students and in the future of California.
The types of aid included in the CA Dream Act are: Cal Grants, UC Grants, State University Grants, California College Promise Grant and 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 California State Financial Aid
We put together a series of helpful tools to ensure students don’t miss any steps in applying for and receiving state financial aid.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR THE CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT?
Undocumented Students must meet the eligibility criteria for AB 540, AB 2000, SB 68 or U-Visa holders to apply for and receive California state financial aid. The California 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, AB 2000, the California Dream Act and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in more detail. Please be aware that DACA does not give students eligibility for the FAFSA or any federal financial aid.
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. DREAM) or have questions about your eligibility, use this guide to be sure you use the correct application to be considered for all the financial aid you may be eligible for.
What if you don’t qualify for the California 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 OVERVIEW
Students and Educators can use our California Dream Act Map to identify all the necessary steps in each phase of the application process.
For more information, check out CSAC’s Resources for California Dream Act Application.
STEPS TO APPLY
PHASE 1: APPLY FOR THE CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT. OCTOBER 1 – MARCH 2
Download California Dream Act Application Checklist
Remember that applying for the California Dream Act it is only the first step to apply for the institutional and state financial aid at the CCC, CSU or UC. Complete this checklist in order to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship.
PHASE 2: APPLY FOR THE CAL GRANT. OCTOBER 1 – MARCH 2
Download Cal Grant Checklist
Applying for the California 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, a percentage of students will be required to complete income verification. You must answer all questions, which usually include household size, assets, information for tax filers and non-tax filers as well as specific requirements for dependent or independent students.
PHASE 4: USE YOUR FINANCIAL AID. MAY – SEPTEMBER
Read Selective Service and the California Dream Act
Men who are between the age of 18 and 25 years old, even undocumented individuals, must register for the selective service so your CA Dream Act aid is not put on hold. Register early and show proof of registration to your school to ensure you receive state financial aid.
Read Types of California State Financial Aid
The types of financial aid undocumented students can apply for depends on their residency status. The California Dream Act, which requires students to meet AB 540/ SB 68 eligibility, increases the options of state financial aid.
SB 68
Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) passed in 2017. This public postsecondary education exemption from nonresident tuition was approved by the governor and filed with the Secretary of State on October 5, 2017. This legislation amended Education Code, section 68130.5, changing the criteria for students eligible for a nonresident tuition exemption, as previously defined in Assembly Bill 540 (2001). Senate Bill 68 expands the requirements of AB 540/ AB 2000 to include attendance at California Community Colleges and attainment of an associate's degree.
SB68 Quick Guide l In-State Tuition Overview
For on campus support please visit SAC's Financial Aid Office located in VL-105. You can reach the office of Financial Aid by clicking this link and select the live chat with Financial Aid red button.
Federal School Code: 001284
Location: JSC-201
Phone: (714) 564-6242
Email: Financial_aid@sac.edu
