For students who cannot complete the FAFSA but qualify to pay in-state fees though CA law AB540, the California Dream Act extends eligibility for California financial aid. In addition to paying in-state tuition and fees, these students are also considered for Cal Grants, Middle Class Scholarship, Chafee Grant and Cal Maritime grants and scholarships.

Eligibility

In order to meet the AB540 criteria, you must meet all of the following:

1. You must have attended a minimum of 3 years of school (public or private) in California,
2. You must have graduated from a California High School or attained the equivalent prior to the start of the term (i.e. passed the GED or California High School Proficiency exam), and
3. You must file an AB540 Affidavit with the Admissions Office.

Completing the California Dream Act Application

1. Gather Your Materials

• Social Security and Driver’s License Numbers for you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) (if you/they have one). If you are considered an independent student, no parental information is necessary.
• Your prior year tax return or W-2 (if you have one). For the 2025-2026 academic year, you will use your 2023 tax return.
• Account statements for all investment assets and bank statements, such as stocks, bonds, business assets, etc. (if applicable).
• Records of untaxed income, such as child support and interest income (if applicable).

2. Submit Your California Dream Act Application

Submit your application between October 1 and March 2 for priority consideration for the upcoming academic year. We recommend you submit your application online, but you can also download and complete the paper application.

Submit your CADAA online no later than March 3, 2025 for the 2025/2026 academic year.

3. Make Sure Your GPA Has Been Submitted

You must submit your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission by March 2. Community colleges and most California high schools automatically submit students’ GPAs for Cal Grants. Check with your school to make sure; if they don’t automatically submit your GPA, download the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and have your school submit it to the California Student Aid Commission.