Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) allows qualifying undocumented students to pay resident instead of non-resident tuition fees at California public colleges. To qualify, you must have attended high school in California for 3+ years, graduated from a California high school or equivalent, and filed an affidavit stating you’ll apply for legal status when eligible. This can save you thousands in tuition costs.

The California Dream Act (Assembly Bills 130 & 131 passed in 2011) enables eligible undocumented students to receive state-funded financial aid including Cal Grants, university grants, community college fee waivers, and work-study programs. It’s strictly for financial aid purposes and has nothing to do with immigration status or pathway to citizenship. You apply through the CADAA application.