Support Page Content
Financial Aid and Residency
The Undocumented Student Resource Center has developed strong partnerships with the Office of Financial Aid and Residency to ensure undocumented and AB 540 students know their financial aid and residency for tuition options.
Paying for College
Paying for college can be overwhelming, especially for undocumented and mixed-status students.
Many undocumented students are eligible to pay in-state tuition and access state and university financial aid by meeting AB 540 eligibility requirements.
On this page, you'll find information about California policies and resources designed to help make college more affordable for undocumented scholars, including how to qualify for in-state tuition, apply for financial aid, explore scholarship opportunities, and connect with individualized support.
2026–2027 CADAA and FAFSA applications open October 1, 2025.
Priority Deadline for State Aid: March 2, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders, and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.
The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, known as AB 540, exempts some students from paying nonresident tuition (which is greater than resident tuition) and/or permits them to apply for and receive state aid at certain public and private institutions in California.
The CSU Nonresident Tuition Exemption is open to CSU students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students who are:
- U.S. Citizens
- Permanent Residents
- Undocumented Students (including TPS, DACA, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile, and VAWA)
- T and U Visa Holders Only
Qualified AB540 students should submit the California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request.
The form can be submitted to: caresidency@csus.edu or dropped off at the front desk of the admissions office located in Lassen Hall.
Why do I need to pay at Sac State?
If you're transferring from a California Community College, you may notice a difference in your account balance at Sacramento State. While community colleges offer the California College Promise Grant that covers tuition for eligible students, including undocumented students, this grant is not available at CSU campuses.
At Sacramento State, while your California Dream Act Application (CADAA) financial aid may cover your tuition, you may still have campus fees of approximately $900 or more remaining on your account. We understand this can be challenging, and we're here to help you explore payment options, including scholarships and the Dream Loan program.
Please contact our office to discuss these financial resources and develop a plan that works for you.
Yes, you can still submit your California Dream Act Application after the March 2 priority deadline and may still be considered for certain types of financial aid. However, many state and institutional aid programs have limited funding and prioritize students who apply by the deadline, submitting late may reduce your eligibility for grants and other financial aid awards.
Yes, depending on your income eligibility, you may continue to receive other forms of state and institutional aid. Eligibility for these programs does not guarantee that aid will be awarded, as aid availability and award amounts can vary based on funding levels and individual circumstances. We encourage you to continue renewing the CA Dream Act application as long as you will be enrolled in school to help maximize your financial aid opportunities.
AB 540, also known as the California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, is a California law that permits eligible students who are not California residents to pay in-state tuition rates at California public colleges and universities.
AB 540 eligibility is available to qualifying U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and undocumented students.
Students with the following immigration statuses may be considered for AB 540 eligibility:
- Undocumented (out of status)
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients
- U Visa holders
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients
- Asylum seekers
- Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) holders
To be eligible, students must have attended a California school for at least three years and have graduated from a California high school or earned an equivalent credential.
For complete eligibility requirements, please visit the CSU Residency Requirement for Tuition Purposes webpage.