California state laws and policies protect access to public higher education for students who are undocumented—including students without DACA, TPS, or other forms of temporary status. Whether you are just beginning to explore your options after completing high school or your GED, currently enrolled in a California college or university, or newly seeing higher education as a possibility, our resources are here to support your academic journey.

Understand In-State Tuition/AB 540

Being AB 540-eligible is often the first step in accessing in-state tuition rates, state-based financial aid, and some private scholarships for undocumented students. Learn about what AB 540 is and how you can meet the requirements or take steps to build eligibility if you’re not yet qualified.

• AB 540 Quick Guide
• CA In-State Tuition Tool
• AB 540 Attendance Worksheet

Get Financial Aid

Understand the process, timeline, and steps to apply to the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), the state financial aid application for undocumented students. Financial aid has three general areas available for eligible undocumented students: grants, scholarships, and loans. You don’t have to pay back grants and scholarships, but you do have to pay back loans. Remember, you have the agency to seek support and choose what you accept as part of your school’s financial aid package.

• CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) Map
• Step 1: CA Dream Act Application Checklist
• Step 2: Cal Grant Checklist
• Types of Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students

Find Additional Support

Get resources to support you in all parts of your educational journey. Access additional materials on CA in-state tuition, financial aid, and campus support. Find opportunities to tend to your mental health, kickstart your entrepreneurship journey, and support your career goals.

• Quick Guide to College Access
• Applying for Scholarships & Fellowships
• List of our resources on Higher Education
• Mental Health Resources
• Making Money Resources
• Career Resources
• Presidents’ Alliance’s Graduate and Professional Student Resource Hub

Find Immigration Legal Help

Learn about your immigration options by connecting with reliable legal support. Get tips and resources to find trustworthy providers across California. Understand the free legal resources available to you if you’re attending a CA Community College (CCC), CA State University (CSU), or University of California (UC) institution.

• Getting Legal Help
• CA Community Colleges’ Find Your Ally: Higher Education Legal Services
• CA State University’s (CSU) Legal Support Services
• University of California’s (UC) Immigrant Legal Services Center

Know Your Rights

Understand your rights, including the policies that protect the information you share on your financial aid application (CADAA). Remember and review your constitutional rights when interacting with immigration agents or local police (on- and off- campus) authorities or participating in protests.

• CA Student Aid Commission (CSAC)’s Protection of Student Information for CADAA Applicants
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)’s Red Cards
• National Immigration Law Center (NILC)’s Know Your Rights: Immigrants’ Participation in Protests

Stay Connected

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