I am undocumented and want to go to college
Apply, pay the in-state price and get state aid.
6 steps
Step 1 of 6: Know you can go
Start here.
- College Is Still OpenYes. With or without papers, you can still go to college in California. In state tuition and the California Dream Act are still in place as of October 21, 2026. The news is loud, and one federal lawsuit is still open. Here is what has changed, what has not, and the steps to take this year.Guide
- My college plan for this yearPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 6: Apply
Same applications as everyone, with a few differences.
- Apply to UC and Cal StateYou can apply to the University of California and to Cal State without papers, on the same applications and the same deadlines as everyone else. The difference is a few questions about citizenship, Social Security numbers and fees. Here is how to answer each one safely, how to get the application fee waived, and what to file after you hit submit so you pay in state tuition and get state aid.Guide
- Apply to UC and Cal State checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 6: Pay the in-state price
Check whether you meet AB 540.
- Do I meet AB 540?You likely meet AB 540 if you have about three years of California school, finished a California diploma or its equal, and will sign one form. You do not need DACA. Check each part below.Quick answer
- In State TuitionYou can pay the in state price at California public colleges, with or without papers. You do not need DACA. It comes down to where you went to school, what you finished, and one signed statement. We'll show you how to check and what to turn in.Guide
- Do I meet AB 540? checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 6: Get state aid
The CA Dream Act Application opens state money.
- CA Dream Act ApplicationThe California Dream Act Application is the free form that opens state money for college. The 2027 to 2028 application is open now. Your future is worth this hour. Here is what to gather, how to fill it out, and what to do after you hit submit.Guide
- CA Dream Act Application: what to gatherPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 5 of 6: Find your people on campus
Most colleges have an office for undocumented students.
Step 6 of 6: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
All situations- I need money for collegeThe right aid form, the deadline and scholarships.5 steps
- I do not qualify for AB 540Check again, then find ways to pay less.3 steps
- I am enrolling my child in schoolEnrollment, meals, language help and special education.5 steps
- I am worried about ICE at my child's schoolWhat schools must do and what you can do this week.4 steps
- I finished college and want to work or keep studyingWork, licenses and graduate school.3 steps