Can undocumented students get state financial aid?

This page is general information, not legal advice.

Who can get state aid?

This page covers California. Other states have their own rules, and some give no state aid to undocumented students.

You can apply through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if (CSAC):

• you cannot use the FAFSA, and
• you are undocumented, or have a U visa or TPS, and
• you meet the AB 540 school rules (mostly, three years of California school and a California diploma or equivalent), and
• you are enrolling at a qualifying California college.

DACA is not required. Students with DACA, valid or expired, also use the CADAA. Each aid program then has its own rules, such as income limits, grades or deadlines.

U.S. citizen students with undocumented parents can use the CADAA too, if they do not want to file a FAFSA (CSAC FAQ). The FAQ and CSAC's mixed status page, checked October 21, 2026, list no first time limit, but an older, undated CSAC flyer says the choice is only for students who have never filed a FAFSA or CADAA. If you filed a FAFSA before, ask CSAC before you switch. A FAFSA is the only way to get federal aid.

What aid can I get?

Here is what official sources list. You do not apply for most of these one by one. Your CADAA puts you in line.

State aid (all colleges)

• Cal Grant. A state grant you do not pay back. Needs your application and a verified GPA by March 2, 2027 (September 2, 2027 for community college students).
• Middle Class Scholarship. For bachelor's degree students at UC, Cal State, or a community college bachelor's program, with income and assets under a yearly limit. The 2026 to 2027 limit was $250,000. CSAC had not posted the 2027 to 2028 limit as of October 21, 2026 (Middle Class Scholarship).
• Dream Act Service Incentive Grant. Up to $4,500 a year for Cal Grant students who do 300 hours of community or volunteer service. It has its own application each year.
• Chafee Grant. For current or former foster youth.

Community colleges

• California College Promise Grant. Pays your enrollment fees. The state community college office says the Dream Act extends it to students who meet the AB 540 rules.

Cal State

• State University Grant. Need based help with tuition. You are considered automatically when you file the CADAA.
• California Dream Loan. A loan you must pay back with interest.
• EOP Grant and campus scholarships. EOP money is very limited.

University of California

• California DREAM Loan. For AB 540 undergraduates with need who take at least half a full load. Up to $4,000 a year and $20,000 in total. No interest while you stay enrolled at least half time, then six months before you start paying. It is optional.
• UC grants and campus scholarships, through your CADAA.

How much is a Cal Grant?

For 2026 to 2027, the Legislative Analyst's Office lists these top yearly awards for a new full time student (LAO, February 2026):

Amounts for 2027 to 2028 depend on the next state budget. Your college's offer letter shows what you actually get.

What do I need to apply?

• An email address you check.
• Your tax information, or your parents', from two years before the award year. For 2027 to 2028, that is 2025 (CSAC FAQ).
• No Social Security number and no DACA. You do not need either to file.
• Your high school or college sends your GPA. Ask your counselor to confirm it was sent.

Step by step help is on How do I apply for the California Dream Act?

What if I miss March 2?

Community college students have until September 2, 2027 for a Cal Grant. If you will start at UC or Cal State and missed March 2, file anyway and ask your college's financial aid office what campus aid is still open. You can also apply for a Cal Grant again next year.

What can I not get?

Federal aid. The AB 540 exemption and the CADAA do not open federal grants or federal student loans. Private scholarships are separate and many are open to you. See How do I apply for scholarships without citizenship?

What if I do not meet AB 540 yet?

State aid through the CADAA requires the AB 540 school rules. If you do not meet them yet, you can still apply for private scholarships, and you may meet AB 540 later, for example after more community college classes. See the full guide Do not qualify for AB 540 yet? Ways a community college may still lower your tuition.

Is my information safe?

CSAC says the information you put on the CADAA is used only to decide state aid. It is not shared with the federal government and is not used for immigration enforcement. Information you give your college for the AB 540 exemption is confidential under state law.

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.

• Your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center: your aid offer and campus grants.
• California Student Aid Commission: call (888) 224-7268 or email studentsupport@csac.ca.gov. csac.ca.gov/undocumented
• Cash for College workshops: free help with the application. cash4college.csac.ca.gov
• Free legal help, if your status is unclear. Free legal help in the Bay Area

Related questions

• How do I apply for the California Dream Act?
• Do I pay higher tuition as an undocumented student?
• When is the Dream Act deadline?