Yes, you can still go to college in California

If you are wondering whether college is still possible for you, this page is for you. It is. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Can I still go to college in California without papers?

Yes. California law protects your path to public college, with or without DACA, a Social Security number or any status.

Three things are still in place as of October 21, 2026:

1. In state tuition. Under a state law known as AB 540 (Education Code 68130.5), students who went to school in California and finished high school or its equivalent can pay the same tuition as California residents at community colleges, Cal State and UC.
2. State financial aid. The California Dream Act lets eligible students get state grants, like the Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, plus aid from their college. You apply with the free California Dream Act Application.
3. Privacy for what you share. The California Student Aid Commission says it uses your Dream Act information only to decide state aid. It says it does not share it with the federal government or use it for immigration enforcement. State law also keeps the information you give for in state tuition confidential.

You do not need DACA for any of these. You do not need a Social Security number for the Dream Act application.

What has changed, and what has not?

We know the news makes it hard to tell what is real. Here are the facts we checked.

What has not changed:

• AB 540 in state tuition is still the law.
• The California Dream Act Application for 2027 to 2028 opened on October 1, 2026, the same day as the FAFSA.
• The Cal Grant deadline is still March 2, 2027 for most students, and September 2, 2027 for community college students.
• Colleges still accept the in state tuition statement you send through the Dream Act application.

What has changed or is pending:

• A federal lawsuit. On November 20, 2025, the U.S. Justice Department sued California in federal court in Sacramento (United States v. Newsom). It argues that federal law blocks California's in state tuition law, Dream Act aid and the Dream Loan. California asked the judge to dismiss the case, and the judge has had that request since January 16, 2026 without a hearing (docket). As of October 21, 2026, we found no ruling on the docket copy, on a national case tracker or in the news. None of them shows a court order stopping AB 540 or Dream Act aid. Until a court rules or the law changes, the programs keep running.
• Other states. Courts have split on similar lawsuits. Some states' programs ended. In others, judges kept the state laws in place. California's case is separate.
• A new choice for mixed status families. U.S. citizens and green card holders with undocumented parents can now use the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA if they do not want to file a FAFSA. See FAFSA or CA Dream Act application: which one.
• DACA. USCIS is still renewing DACA. It accepts first time requests but is not deciding them. DACA is helpful for work, but it is not required for college. See the DACA hub.

So keep going. Apply as normal. Do not skip the application or the tuition statement out of fear. Before you enroll, check the Presidents' Alliance case tracker and your college's emails for news.

Do I qualify for the in state price?

Most students who grew up in California do. You generally need:

• Three years of full time school in California. High school, adult school and community college can count, in any mix.
• To finish high school in California, or an equivalent like the GED, HiSET or CHSPE, or a California community college associate degree, or the minimum transfer requirements to UC or Cal State.
• To enroll at a California public college.
• A signed statement, called an affidavit, if you do not have lawful status. You promise to apply to fix your status once you are able to.

The years do not have to be in a row. If you came to California later, adult school or community college classes may help you build the three years. Full details and a checklist are at Who qualifies for in state tuition. If you are not there yet, see Do not qualify for AB 540 yet?

What will it cost?

Here is tuition alone for one school year at the in state price, before any aid:

• Community college: $46 per unit, about $1,380 for a full year of 30 units. The California College Promise Grant can cover this fee, and you can be considered through the Dream Act application (Las Positas College).
• Cal State: $6,838 in systemwide tuition for 2026 to 2027 and $7,248 for 2027 to 2028, plus campus fees (CSUN catalog).
• UC: about $16,278 in tuition for a new California resident in 2027 to 2028. With campus housing, food, books and other costs, UC estimates about $49,078 a year (UC cost of attendance).

Without the in state exemption, the price jumps. At Cal State, nonresident tuition adds $471 per unit, so 30 units add $14,130 a year. For 2027 to 2028, CSU lists $498 per semester unit. That is why the AB 540 statement matters so much.

Aid can close much of the gap. 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). Amounts for 2027 to 2028 depend on the next state budget.

How do I pay for it?

Start with the California Dream Act Application. That one form is how you are considered for state aid and for most aid from your college.

Aid you may be considered for:

• Cal Grants. State grants that you do not pay back. You must apply by the deadline, and your school must send your GPA. See How to make sure you are considered for a Cal Grant.
• Middle Class Scholarship. For students at UC, Cal State or a community college bachelor's program. AB 540 students can qualify. There is no separate application.
• Your college's own grants. Each college decides these from your Dream Act application.
• Scholarships. Many private scholarships do not ask about status. See Scholarships you can get without papers.

Step by step help with the form is at How to apply for the CA Dream Act. The big picture is at Paying for college in California, whatever your status.

Is it safe to apply?

This is a fair question, and you deserve a straight answer.

• The Dream Act application. The California Student Aid Commission says the information is used only for state aid, is not shared with the federal government, and is not used for immigration enforcement. The colleges you list do receive your application.
• In state tuition. State law says the information colleges collect for the AB 540 exemption is confidential.
• On campus. Federal rules no longer tell immigration officers to stay away from schools. California has its own rules for campuses. Read Can ICE get my college records? to learn what your college can and cannot share.

No one can promise zero risk. If you have a removal order, a past arrest or an open immigration case, talk with a lawyer before you make big choices. Free help is below.

Which kind of college is right for me?

All three public systems use the same in state tuition rule.

• Community college. Lower cost, open to many kinds of students, and a strong path to transfer to UC or Cal State. Your community college classes can also count toward the three years for AB 540.
• Cal State (CSU). Campuses across the state, from bachelor's degrees to some graduate programs.
• University of California (UC). Research universities with bachelor's and graduate programs.

How to apply is on How to apply to UC and Cal State as an undocumented student. State law requires every community college and Cal State campus to name a Dreamer Resource Liaison, a staff person who helps students with aid, services and legal help referrals. UC is encouraged to do the same (Education Code 66021.8). Many campuses also have a Dream Resource Center. Find one near you at Dream Centers and undocumented student programs.

What can I do this year?

1. Talk with your counselor this month. Tell them you plan to apply for the California Dream Act. You do not have to share your status to ask for help.
2. Make your account and apply at dream.csac.ca.gov before March 2, 2027.
3. Check your GPA was sent for the Cal Grant.
4. Apply to colleges. Apply to a few, including a community college.
5. Look for scholarships that don't ask about status.
6. Answer every email from your colleges and the Student Aid Commission.
7. Compare offers in the spring. Our aid offer worksheet helps.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Not applying at all because of fear. Missing March 2 can cost you a Cal Grant.
• Filling out the FAFSA when you can't use it. Undocumented students and DACA recipients use the California Dream Act Application.
• Using a fake Social Security number on any form. Never do this. It can cause serious legal trouble.
• Paying someone to fill out free forms.
• Skipping the tuition statement because a college did not ask. Make sure your college has it.
• Believing rumors. Check official pages or ask your college.

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.
• 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
• University of California: Undocumented student resources (UC)
• California State University: Resources for undocumented students (CSU)
• Free legal help, if your immigration situation is unclear: Free legal help in the Bay Area

Teachers and pastors: see How teachers, counselors and pastors can support undocumented students.

Questions students ask

Will applying to college put my family at risk? The Student Aid Commission says Dream Act information is not shared with the federal government or used for immigration enforcement. If you have a specific worry, such as a family member with a removal order, talk with a free legal provider first.

I don't have DACA. Can I still go? Yes. DACA is not required for in state tuition or the California Dream Act.

Can the lawsuit take away my aid in the middle of the year? We don't know how or when the court will rule. As of our check, nothing has changed. Keep applying, and watch your college's emails.

Can I work while in college? Paid jobs require work permission. There are other ways to earn and build experience. See What you can do after college without a work permit.

I am older and never finished high school. Is it too late? No. Adult school and community college can help you finish and may count toward in state tuition. Start with a community college counselor.

Is there a plan I can print?

Your dreams are worth the work. Keep going. You are not alone.