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When is the Dream Act deadline?

For fall 2027, send your California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027. That is the last day to be considered for a new Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship. The application opened October 1, 2026, so you can apply now.

Where this applies
California. Dates are set by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Colleges can set their own earlier or later dates for their own aid.
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Who it’s for

Students who will attend a California college in the 2027 to 2028 school year and use the California Dream Act Application, plus their parents, counselors and helpers.

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Take the next step

This page is general information, not legal advice. It also answers "When does the application open?"

When does the application open?

Every year on October 1 (CSAC key dates). The 2027 to 2028 California Dream Act Application opened on October 1, 2026, the same day as the FAFSA. Use the 2027 to 2028 application if you will be in college between July 2027 and June 2028.

What is the main deadline?

March 2, 2027. CSAC calls March 2 the absolute deadline for a Cal Grant. Two things must reach CSAC by then:

  1. your California Dream Act Application, and
  2. your verified Cal Grant GPA.

The Middle Class Scholarship deadline is also March 2, 2027. March 2 is the priority date for most colleges and universities too.

Are there other deadlines?

Yes. Know which one is yours.

If you are Your date
Going to a university (UC, Cal State, private) in fall 2027 March 2, 2027
Going to a California community college March 2, 2027 is best. You can still get a Cal Grant if you file by September 2, 2027.
Renewing a Cal Grant you already have Open until June 30, 2028, but file by March 2 to be safe
Applying for the Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Separate application in WebGrants each year, until June 30 or until awards run out

Your college may also set its own date for campus grants and scholarships. Some are before March 2. Check your college's financial aid page.

Is this the same as the college application deadline?

No. These are two different applications, and the college one comes first.

What Who runs it Fall 2027 date
Apply for admission to UC University of California October 1 to November 30, 2026 (UC)
Apply for admission to Cal State Cal State campuses Priority filing ends November 30, 2026
Community college admission Each college Rolling; check the college
California Dream Act Application (aid) California Student Aid Commission March 2, 2027
Accept a UC offer University of California May 1, 2027

What if I miss the deadline?

Apply anyway, as soon as you can.

  • Some colleges take the application after March 2 for their own aid.
  • Community college students still have until September 2, 2027 for a Cal Grant.
  • Call your financial aid office and ask, "What can I still get if I file today?"

Do I have to apply every year?

Yes. You file a new application for each school year. Mark October 1 on your calendar every year, and aim to finish by March 2.

Who can help?

These are free. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

  • Cash for College workshops: free help with the application, October through June. cash4college.csac.ca.gov
  • California Student Aid Commission: call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.
  • Your high school counselor: your GPA and your college deadlines.
  • Your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center.

You have time if you start now.

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Printed from https://donotlosehope.com/answers/dream-act-deadline/. Facts checked October 21, 2026. Free information, not legal advice.

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