Can I still go to college in California as an undocumented student?

This is general information, not legal advice.

Is it still allowed?

Yes. California community colleges, Cal State and UC accept undocumented students. The news can make it sound like doors are closing. In California, they are open. Three state rules work for you:

1. In state tuition (AB 540). If you went to school in California for about three years and finished high school or an equivalent, you pay the same tuition as residents.
2. State financial aid (CA Dream Act). If you meet AB 540, you can apply for state aid like Cal Grants through the CA Dream Act Application.
3. On campus support. Every CSU and community college campus must name a Dreamer Resource Liaison. UC is asked to do the same.

Do I need DACA?

No. AB 540 and the CA Dream Act do not require DACA or a Social Security number. If you have DACA, valid or expired, you use the CA Dream Act Application too, not the FAFSA.

What about the lawsuit I heard about?

On November 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice sued California over in state tuition and state aid for undocumented students (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. In some other states, courts have ended these programs. In others, courts kept them.

Here is the real picture. The California law is still in effect today. The smart move is to apply on time, keep copies of everything, and stay in touch with your Dream Center. Your Dream Center or the case tracker is the place to check whether a court has ruled.

Is my information safe?

The California Student Aid Commission says it uses CA Dream Act information only to decide state aid. It says it does not share it with the federal government and does not use it for immigration enforcement. State law also keeps your AB 540 information confidential.

If you still feel unsure, talk with your Dream Center or a free legal service before you file. That is a fair question to ask.

What will it cost?

Less than many families fear, if you meet AB 540 and file for aid:

• Community college: $46 a unit, about $1,380 for 30 units. The California College Promise Grant can cover that fee (Las Positas College).
• Cal State: $6,838 in tuition for 2026 to 2027 and $7,248 for 2027 to 2028, plus campus fees (CSU tuition schedule).
• UC: $16,278 in tuition for a new California resident or AB 540 student in 2027 to 2028 (UC). UC estimates about $49,078 a year with housing, food, books and other costs.

For 2026 to 2027, the largest Cal Grant tuition award for a new full time student was $15,588 at UC and $6,838 at Cal State (Legislative Analyst's Office). Full numbers are on How much will college cost me?

Can I work while I am in college?

Paid jobs need work authorization. If you have DACA with a valid work permit, you can take campus jobs and paid internships. If you do not, scholarships, grants and the California Dream Loan are your main tools, and some programs offer unpaid experience. See What you can do after college without a work permit. Before you accept any paid role without a work permit, talk to a free legal clinic.

What should I do first?

1. Check if you meet AB 540. Count your California school years. See How do I track my years of school for in state tuition?
2. Apply to the colleges you want. Check each one's deadline on its own website.
3. File the CA Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027. Use a personal email, not a school email.
4. Sign the AB 540 affidavit in that same application.
5. Look for scholarships. Many do not ask about status. See Scholarships.
6. Find your Dream Center and introduce yourself.

What if I do not meet AB 540 yet?

You still have options. Noncredit classes at many community colleges are free; Foothill College, for example, charges no fees for them. Adult school and community college noncredit time count toward your three years at 420 class hours a year. Students taking community college classes while still in adult school or high school are exempt from nonresident tuition (Education Code 76140(a)(4)). See Can I get lower tuition?

Who can help?

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

• Your college's Dream Center or Dreamer Resource Liaison.
• California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov. Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Free Cash for College workshops, October 1 to June 30: cash4college.csac.ca.gov.
• Free immigration legal help for students: see Where can college students get free immigration legal help?

Related questions

• Who qualifies for in state tuition in California?
• Yes, you can still go to college in California
• How do I apply for the California Dream Act?

Your future is still yours to build. Keep going. You are not alone.