FAFSA or CA Dream Act application: which one should you fill out

This page helps you choose the right form. It is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Which form is mine?

It depends on your status, the student's, not your parents'. Find yourself below.

To use the California Dream Act Application, you also need to meet California's in state tuition rules, called AB 540. In short: three years of school in California and a California high school diploma or its equivalent. The details are at Who qualifies for in state tuition.

Not sure what your status is? That happens. Ask a free immigration legal provider before you fill out either form. See Free legal help in the Bay Area.

What is the difference?

Both forms are free. Both use the same deadline for the Cal Grant. The big difference is federal money.

The FAFSA is the federal form. When you file it, you are considered for federal, state and college aid. The California Student Aid Commission uses it for state aid like the Cal Grant.

The California Dream Act Application is the state form. It exists because undocumented students cannot get federal aid or use the FAFSA. When you file it, you are considered for state aid and aid from your college. It also carries your in state tuition statement (the AB 540 affidavit) to the colleges you list.

State aid you can get through either form includes:

• Cal Grants, if you apply on time and your GPA is sent. See How to make sure you are considered for a Cal Grant.
• The Middle Class Scholarship, for students at UC, Cal State or a community college bachelor's program. No separate application.
• Your college's own grants.

Do I need DACA or a Social Security number?

Not for the California Dream Act Application. You do not need DACA or a Social Security number to use it. The Social Security number or ITIN box is optional, and leaving it blank will not hurt your state aid.

DACA does not make you eligible for federal aid. U visa holders and students who have only TPS are not eligible either (Federal Student Aid Handbook). In California, these students use the California Dream Act Application.

What if my parents are undocumented and I am a citizen?

You have a choice. This is new, and it matters.

The California Student Aid Commission now lets U.S. citizens and green card holders whose parent or spouse is undocumented use the California Dream Act Application if they do not want to file a FAFSA. The state calls these mixed status families.

Here is the trade off, plainly:

• The FAFSA gets you considered for federal, state and college aid. Federal aid can be a big part of what a citizen student receives. Your undocumented parent will need to make a StudentAid.gov account and enter their own information.
• The California Dream Act Application keeps your family's information with the state. The Commission says it is used only for state aid, is not shared with the federal government, and is not used for immigration enforcement. But you will not be considered for federal aid.

The Commission also says you can still file a FAFSA even if you already filed the California Dream Act Application. Its page on this still describes the 2026 to 2027 year (checked October 21, 2026). Before you count on it for 2027 to 2028, ask the Commission at (888) 224-7268 or your financial aid office.

This is a family decision. We know it can feel heavy. For a full guide to the privacy questions, read My parent is undocumented: can I still file the FAFSA, and is our information safe? If a parent has a removal order or an open immigration case, talk with a lawyer before you choose.

When are the deadlines?

Both forms opened on October 1, 2026 for the 2027 to 2028 school year.

• March 2, 2027: the Cal Grant deadline for most students, for either form. It is also the priority date at most colleges. Some colleges set earlier dates, so check yours.
• September 2, 2027: the last Cal Grant date for community college students. March 2 is still best.
• Every year: you file a new form each year you want aid.

Earlier is better. Some college aid runs out.

What if I filled out the wrong form?

Don't panic. This can be fixed, but act fast.

• You are undocumented, DACA, TPS or U visa, and you filed a FAFSA: fill out the California Dream Act Application right away at dream.csac.ca.gov. Then tell your college financial aid office what happened.
• You are a citizen or eligible noncitizen without an undocumented parent, and you filed the California Dream Act Application: fill out the FAFSA right away so you are considered for federal aid. Call your financial aid office.
• You picked the wrong school year: start the right year's application at once and tell your financial aid office.

If March 2 is close, call the California Student Aid Commission at (888) 224-7268 the same day.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Choosing a form by your parents' status instead of your own. The student's status decides.
• Filling out the FAFSA with a made up Social Security number. Never do this. It can cause serious legal trouble.
• Waiting until March. Give yourself time for parent signatures and questions.
• Paying someone to fill out either form. Both are free, and paid preparers are not allowed on the California Dream Act Application.
• Forgetting the GPA. Cal Grants also need your GPA on file.
• Not opening your email. Colleges and the Commission will ask you for things. Answer fast.

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 high school counselor or college financial aid office. They can look at your situation and help you choose.
• Your college's Dream Resource Center or undocumented student program.
• California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov. Help for undocumented students
• Cash for College workshops: free help filling out either form, run by the state. Find a workshop
• Free legal help if your status is unclear: Free legal help in the Bay Area

Questions students ask

Can I fill out both forms? Most students fill out one. A citizen or green card holder from a mixed status family may file a FAFSA even after filing the California Dream Act Application, according to the Commission's 2026 to 2027 guidance. Undocumented students, DACA, TPS and U visa holders use only the California Dream Act Application.

Will the California Dream Act Application get me less money? You won't be considered for federal aid. You will be considered for state aid and your college's aid. Ask each college what aid it gives students who use the California Dream Act Application.

My green card is new. Which form do I use? Green card holders use the FAFSA. If your parent is undocumented, you may choose the California Dream Act Application instead.

I have DACA and a Social Security number. Can I use the FAFSA? No. DACA recipients use the California Dream Act Application.

Is my information safe? For the California Dream Act Application, the Commission says your information is not shared with the federal government or used for immigration enforcement. For the FAFSA, read our page for mixed status families.

Is there a guide I can print?

Choosing the right form is one step closer to college. You can do this.