Paying for college in California, whatever your status

This page covers California. Students in other states have different rules. This page is not legal or financial advice. Every college has its own steps, so check with yours. Free help is at your college's financial aid office or Dream Resource Center.

How do I apply for state financial aid?

Use the California Dream Act Application, not the federal FAFSA (CSAC). Students with TPS or a U visa use it too. T visa holders, refugees and asylees use the FAFSA (Federal Student Aid Handbook).

It opens the door to state money:

• Cal Grants
• The Middle Class Scholarship
• The California College Promise Grant, which covers community college fees
• UC and Cal State grants, and support programs such as Cal State's EOP
• The California Dream Loan at UC and Cal State. At UC it is up to $4,000 a year and $20,000 in total for undergraduates (UC). Money is limited each year, so ask your financial aid office early.
• The Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (amount and rules are in the box at the top)

Deadlines are in the box at the top. Some colleges set earlier dates, so check yours.

• Key dates (California Student Aid Commission)

Can I pay in state tuition?

You may be able to pay the lower resident price instead of the much higher out of state price. Both of these must be true, and you must turn in the affidavit described in the next section:

• You spent time in California schools. Three full time years, or the same amount of part time study, at California high schools, adult schools or community colleges, in any mix. In some cases, years in California elementary and middle schools can count too.
• You finished something in California. High school graduation, a California high school equivalency certificate (such as the GED, HiSET or CHSPE), an associate degree from a California community college, or the courses needed to transfer to UC or Cal State.

People often call this "AB 540," after the law.

How do I get my college to charge in state tuition?

Turn in a short signed statement, often called the AB 540 affidavit. Colleges need it before they charge you in state tuition.

• Cal State and community colleges must accept the affidavit questions you answer on the California Dream Act Application, under AB 1540 (2023).
• UC and some colleges use their own form. Turn it in if they ask.

If you are undocumented, the affidavit asks you to promise to apply to legalize your status once you are eligible. Your college keeps this form.

What should I ask after I apply?

Ask the financial aid office three questions:

• Did you receive my resident tuition affidavit?
• Am I being considered for a Cal Grant and campus aid?
• Is anything missing from my file?

Do I need DACA?

No. You do not need DACA for in state tuition or the California Dream Act.

DACA is a separate federal program. It gives temporary protection from deportation and a work permit. If you have DACA now, you can still ask to renew it. USCIS asks you to file 120 to 150 days before your DACA ends, and some renewals have taken longer than usual. A renewal costs $85 plus the work permit fee: $520 on paper or $470 online (checked October 21, 2026). If your DACA has already ended, talk with a trusted immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative before you file. The government accepts first time requests but is not deciding them. DACA does not make anyone eligible for federal student aid.

Official page:

• Consideration of DACA (USCIS)

What if it does not work out?

A setback is not the end. Here is what to try.

• If you were charged out of state tuition: ask the admissions or residency office whether your affidavit is on file, and how to appeal.
• If you missed March 2: ask about community college Cal Grants, campus grants and scholarships with later deadlines.
• If you need a job on campus: bills to let students without work permits take paid campus jobs were vetoed in 2024 (AB 2586) and on September 20, 2026 (AB 713) (bill history). For now, paid campus jobs still require work permission.

Could these rules change?

They could, and we know that news is worrying. Here is where things stand. In November 2025 the U.S. Justice Department sued California over in state tuition and California 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, and the Presidents' Alliance tracker (updated October 5, 2026) says "Awaiting order." Neither shows a court order stopping in state tuition or the Dream Act. In some other states similar programs ended after federal lawsuits. In others, judges kept the state laws in place. Before you enroll, check the tracker for news.

How much will it cost, and how much can aid cover?

With in state tuition, these are the 2026 to 2027 and 2027 to 2028 prices from official pages:

Sources: Las Positas College, CSUN catalog, UC, Legislative Analyst's Office. Housing, food, books and transportation cost more than tuition at most colleges. See How much will college cost me?

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 financial aid office or Dream Resource Center. They can check your forms and your aid.
• California Student Aid Commission: the official application and help for undocumented and Dreamer students. (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov. csac.ca.gov/undocumented
• Free Cash for College workshops, October through June: cash4college.csac.ca.gov
• University of California: Undocumented student resources (UC)
• California State University: Resources for undocumented students (CSU)
• California Community Colleges: Undocumented students (California Community Colleges)

Can I print a checklist?