How do in state tuition and the Dream Act work together?

This page covers California public colleges. Other states have their own rules. This is general information, not legal advice.

What does each one do?

AB 540 (in state tuition) is a California law (Education Code 68130.5). If you meet it, a public college waives nonresident tuition. You pay what California residents pay. At UC, new students in 2027 to 2028 pay $16,278 in tuition with AB 540 and $57,300 without it (UC). AB 540 takes the $41,022 difference off your bill.

The CA Dream Act is the name for California's laws that let AB 540 students get state and college aid. You ask for it with the CA Dream Act Application.

Neither one is an immigration status. Neither one is DACA. You do not need DACA for either.

How do they connect?

AB 540 comes first. The Student Aid Commission says you can use the CA Dream Act Application if you meet the nonresident tuition exemption rules, which are the AB 540 rules. If you do not meet AB 540, you cannot get CA Dream Act aid.

The good news: the CA Dream Act Application has a short AB 540 section built in. When you sign it, the state sends it to every college you list. So one free form asks for the lower price and the aid at the same time.

What aid can the CA Dream Act bring?

Depending on your college, income and grades:

• Cal Grant, for students who apply on time with a verified GPA.
• Middle Class Scholarship, at UC, Cal State, or a community college bachelor's program. AB 540 students can get it. There is no separate form.
• At Cal State: the State University Grant, the California Dream Loan and campus scholarships.
• At community colleges: the California College Promise Grant, which covers the $46 per unit enrollment fee.
• College grants and scholarships from your campus.

What if I only have one key?

• You meet AB 540 but missed the aid deadline: you still pay the in state price. File the CA Dream Act Application anyway. Community college students have until September 2, 2027 for a Cal Grant, and colleges may have their own aid left. Ask the financial aid office.
• You do not meet AB 540 yet: you cannot get CA Dream Act aid, and you pay nonresident tuition for now. Community college classes can add up to your three years. See Do not qualify for AB 540 yet?
• You signed the affidavit but your college has no record: send it again or use the college's own form, and have final transcripts sent.

Who qualifies for AB 540?

The short version: about three full time years of California school (high school, adult school or community college, in any mix), plus a California diploma or an equivalent, or a California associate degree or transfer classes. Undocumented students, DACA recipients and students with TPS or a T or U visa can qualify. Most other visa holders cannot. Full rules: Who qualifies for in state tuition in California?

What if I have DACA or TPS?

You can use AB 540 and the CA Dream Act. UC and Cal State also say some students with DACA or TPS can be classed as full California residents for tuition. Ask the residence office at your campus. See How do I become a California resident for tuition?

Is my information safe?

State law keeps AB 540 information confidential. The Student Aid Commission says CA Dream Act Application information is used only for state aid. It is not shared with the federal government and not used for immigration enforcement.

Are these laws still in place?

Yes. The U.S. Department of Justice sued California on November 20, 2025 over AB 540 and CA Dream Act aid (United States v. Newsom). California asked the court to dismiss the case, and the judge has had that request since January 16, 2026 (court docket). The docket copy we could read runs through April 1, 2026, and shows no ruling. The Presidents' Alliance tracker (updated October 5, 2026) says "Awaiting order," and we found no news of a ruling as of October 21, 2026. The laws stand until a court says otherwise. Apply on time.

What do I do next?

1. Count your California school years.
2. File the CA Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027 and sign the AB 540 section.
3. Watch your email for a Dream ID and next steps from the Student Aid Commission and your colleges.
4. File again every year.

Who can help?

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

• California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.
• Free Cash for College workshops, October 1 to June 30: cash4college.csac.ca.gov.
• Your college's Dream Center or Dreamer Resource Liaison. Every community college and Cal State campus must have one (Education Code 66021.8).

Related questions

• Should I file the FAFSA or the Dream Act application?
• Can I still go to college in California as an undocumented student?
• How much will college cost me?

Two keys, one form. Use both, and the door opens wider than most people think.