California Dream Act

California Dream Act: State Aid for Undocumented Students

The passage of California Assembly Bill 540 established an exemption from non-resident tuition for certain out-of-state students and undocumented students. Students meeting AB 540 requirements may qualify for state and institutional aid.

Students must complete and submit the AB 540 Affidavit [pdf] (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) in order to begin the review of eligibility. The form is submitted to the Office of the Registrar. Students should also routinely view their MySJSU for any additional paperwork needed to complete their application.

California Dream Act and DACA

A student's DACA status has no affect on a student's financial aid eligibility.  The latest information regarding DACA has been posted on the Resources for Undocumented Students website. 

A joint press release from the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Student Aid Commission has emphasized the difference between the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, while reassuring Dreamers they are still able to receive financial aid. 

The letter explained that the California Dream Act is a state law, separate and distinct from the federal DACA program. Regardless of what happens at federal level, state financial aid for Dreamers remains legal in California. The letter also highlighted: 

  • Losing DACA status will not affect most state financial aid  
  • Dream Act students do not need to be DACA-certified 
  • Eligible students are able to receive state financial aid while attending colleges in California  
  • CADAA is only used to determine eligibility for state financial aid and is not shared with the federal government or used for immigration enforcement purposes

 

Auditing / No-Credit Classes

Students who are auditing classes or taking classes for "no credit" are not eligible for any financial aid towards those registration fees.