Dreamers
The passage of California Dream Acts — and — extend eligibility for certain types of institutional and state aid to undocumented students. In order to be eligible, students must also qualify for benefits under another California law AB540 which exempts students from paying non-resident supplemental tuition.
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) will be available starting October 1 of each year. For the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year the application will be available by December 1, 2024. Students are encouraged to submit their CADAA on or before the April 2nd deadline. To apply, visit .
For additional state aid resources and guidance please visit the California Student Aid Commission Site (CSAC):
The information provided on your CADAA is used to calculate your Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is used by Cal State East Bay and the California Student Aid Commission to determine your eligibility for financial aid. You can apply for financial aid before you know if you are admitted or taxes have been completed–so don't wait, apply as soon as possible. The important things to remember are:
- 杏吧传媒 early! Applications become available early October for the upcoming academic year
- Submit your application by April 2 for priority consideration
- Include the CSUEB School Code: 001138
- Keep copies of your tax returns and other documents in case they are needed
- Reapply every year!
On October 12, 2001, Governor Gray Davis signed into law Assembly Bill 540 (Stats. 2001, ch. 814) adding a new section, 68130.5, to the California Education Code. Section 68130.5 created a new exemption from the payment of non-resident tuition for certain non-resident students who have attended high school in California and received a high school diploma or its equivalent. AB 2000 expanded the scope of AB 540 in 2014.
- AB 540 Guidelines & 68130.5 Requirements for Eligibility
- A student may qualify for exemption from nonresident tuition…either by high school attendance in California for three or more years
- or by either elementary or secondary school attendance
- or both in California for a total of 3 or more years and
- attainment of credits earned in California from a California high school equivalent to 3 or more years of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of these schools.”
- Must register or is currently enrolled at an accredited institution of public higher education in California;
- Must file or will file an affidavit as required by individual institutions, stating that the filer will apply for legal residency as soon as possible;
- Must not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, E, etc.)
Undocumented Students who meet the AB540 requirements may be considered for the following types of state aid upon completion of the California Dream Act Application (CADAA):
State University GrantThe State University Grant (SUG) assists with California State University (CSU) tuition fees. SUG is not available to students enrolled in special session or students whose tuition fees are paid by Cal Grant, tuition waivers or other programs that pay tuition fees. Eligibility Criteria:
Additional Guidelines:CSU policy limits the length of time for receipt of the SUG. All students must meet the following guidelines to be eligible for a SUG award:
Certain units, including advanced placement, international baccalaureate, military credit, and pre-baccalaureate credit and credit by examination will not count against the maximum allowable units. |
Cal Grant ProgramsCal Grant AAt the California State University, the Cal Grant A assists with tuition fees. This grant is for undergraduate students who are California residents. Cal Grant A cannot exceed the current tuition fees. If the student's tuition fees are paid by another state resources (e.g. fee waivers, Vocational Rehabilitation, etc) they will not be eligible to receive fee payment from a Cal Grant. Students must notify the Financial Aid Office if registration fees are paid by any third party. Grant eligibility will be adjusted from the first day of class through the last day to add/drop (2 weeks after class starts) for each term. Cal Grant BCal Grant B provides a living allowance and tuition fee assistance. Awards for most first-year students are limited to an allowance of up to $1,672 for books and living expenses. When renewed or awarded beyond the freshman year, the award also helps pay for tuition fees. The awards for tuition fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A. Cal Grant B pays only an allowance amount for the first year awards, and allowance and tuition fees for 2nd, 3rd and 4th year recipients. There are two Cal Grant B awards: Entitlement and Competitive.
View for additional information or review the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) ! |
| Enrollment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full Time (12+ units) | $6,084 ($3,042 per semester) |
| Three Quarter's Time (9-11.99 units) | $4,564 ($2,282 per semester) |
| Half Time (6-8.99 units) | $3,042 ($1,521 per semester) |
| Less than half time (1-5.99 units) | Ineligible |
| Enrollment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full Time (12+ units) | $1,648 ($824 per semester) |
| Three Quarter's Time (9-11.99 units) | $1,236 ($618 per semester) |
| Half Time (6-8.99 units) | $824 ($412 per semester) |
| Less than half time (1-5.99 units) | Ineligible |
| Enrollment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full Time (12+ units) | $6,000 ($3,000 per semester) |
| Three Quarter's Time (9-11.99 units) | $4,500 ($2,250 per semester) |
| Half Time (6-8.99 units) | $3,000 ($1,500 per semester) |
| Less than half time (1-5.99 units) | Ineligible |
Middle Class Scholarship
The provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campus for up to 4 years based on their eligibility as determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Students must meet all the following requirements:
- be a California resident attending a UC or CSU;
- be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or meet the requirements for non-resident tuition exemption;
- meet certain income/asset and other financial aid standards;
- maintain satisfactory academic progress;
- be attending at least half-time;
- not be in default on a student loan; and
- must not be incarcerated.
Programs that require a separate application process:
Q: I have a SSN through DACA, do I put it on my CA Dream Act Application or should I just list all zeroes?
A: If you have an SSN enter it here. If you do not have an SSN, but have an ITIN, enter that number. If you have both numbers, enter your SSN. If you have neither number, leave this question blank.
Q: My parents have an ITIN, do they put that on the CA Dream Act Application? I can fill out the FAFSA, but my parents have an ITIN, do I put it on the FAFSA or just all zeroes?
A: For Dream Applicants, if your parent has both a SSN and an ITIN, have them enter their SSN. If your parent doesn’t have a SSN or ITIN, enter 000000000. If you are filing the FAFSA, you will enter all zeros.
Q: Where do I find the Statewide Student Identification Number (SSID)? Do I need it?
A: You will have the 10 digit SSID only if you attended a California public high school. Otherwise leave this question blank. You can find your SSID on your high school transcripts or you can call your high school.
Q: One of my parents was deported, and the other is still here. Do I still include the deported parent’s information on the CA Dream Act Application?
A: Yes, you will include the information for both of your parents.
Q: I (or my parents) have a cash job (work under the table). Do I still need to report that income on the FAFSA/ CA Dream Act Application?
A: Yes, you will report this information under Question 88/89 of your FAFSA/ CA Dream Act Application where it asks you to report your parent’s wages, salaries, tips, ect.
Q: My parents worked outside of the country, will I still need to report their income on the CA Dream Act Application? What happens if I get selected for verification?
A: Income earned in a foreign country is treated the same as income earned in the U.S. Convert all figures to U.S. dollars, using the exchange rate in effect on the day you complete the CA Dream Act Application. You can find information on current exchange rates at .Include the value of any taxes paid to the foreign government in the “U.S. income tax paid” line item.
Q: My parents lived outside the country, and I live with my aunt. Is she my legal guardian? Does that make me independent?
A: A foster parent, legal guardian, or a grandparent or other relative is not treated as a parent for purposes of filing the CA Dream Act Application unless that person has legally adopted the applicant. An adoptive parent is treated in the same manner as a biological parent on the CA Dream Act Application. This does not make you an independent student.
Q: I have DACA, does that make me an eligible non-citizen?
A: Deferred action does not provide an individual with lawful status (i.e. U.S. Resident, Eligible Non-citizen). However, recipients of deferred action may obtain work authorization.
Q: Do I have to report all the scholarships and grants I received on the financial aid application? Where do I report that?
A: You only have to report your scholarships and grants received on your application if you filed taxes and reported these to the IRS in your adjusted gross income. If you did, you will report this information on Question 44(d) of your the CA Dream Act Application.
Q: Are work study earnings taxable? Do I need to report them on the financial aid application?
A: Work-study earnings must be reported as taxed income on Question 44(c) of your FAFSA/ CA Dream Act Application.
Q: Do I have to report my current balance of cash, savings and checking accounts? It changes every day.
A: You report the amount in your savings/checking accounts as of the day you filed your CA Dream Act Application.
Q: Do I need to submit a GPA verification form if I got a Cal Grant last year?
A: No, you don’t. For students who received Cal Grant last year, we will submit GPA verifications electronically on their behalf.
Q: I am a CSUEB student who did not get a Cal Grant last year, but I think I might be eligible this year, do I submit a form?
A: Please contact our office to determine if you need to submit a form.
Q: I attended high school (or another college) last year and did not get a Cal Grant last year but I think I might be eligible this year, do I submit a form?
A: If you attended high school, you may be eligible and can apply for the . If you are transferring from a community college to a 4-Year University, you may be eligible for and can also apply for the .