The Financial Aid Office is committed to helping students and families navigate the financial process. We have dedicated staff ready to help with financial assistance, which is part of the admission process.
Completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act
Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA)
The
Free Application for Federal Aid, known as the FAFSA, determines a student's eligibility for need-based federal financial aid for college based on their financial situation. Federal financial aid may include federal grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. Also, the FAFSA is used to award State and Institutional grants and scholarships.
California Dream Act (must have been granted AB 540)
The California Dream Act is used to award students that have been granted AB 540 state and institutional grants and scholarships. Students must have an AB 540 Exemption affidavit on file with the campus admissions office and remain classified as nonresidents.
Contact Us
It is encouraged for students to review the eligibility requirements and seek financial aid advice from the campus
Financial Aid Office to learn more about the California Dream Act or FAFSA.
Deadlines
FAFSA and CA Dream Act applications open on October 1 every year, and the priority deadline is March 2nd.
To determine if you fill out the FAFSA or California Dream Act:
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Residency, AB 540 and Financial Aid Options |
| | Residency | AB 540 Nonresident Exemption | California Dream Act | Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| **Please note: When filing any college related applications, you must be consistent with your name to facilitate linking all your applications together. Example: CSU Application was filed as "Joseph Garcia Gonzalez" and Financial Aid filed as Jose Garcia - these files will not match and can delay your applications processing" |
| Students must meet residency requirements:1)Eligible immigration status2) Physical Presence3) Intent4) Financial Independence (only continuing students) | Nonresident students who attended and graduated from a California school may meet the California State University (CSU) Nonresident Tuition Exemption. A copy of the student's official transcript must be submitted with the Nonresident Tuition Exemption form to the campus Admissions Office. | (e.g., Cal Grants, Student University Grant (SUG), Dream Loans, Dreamers Service Incentive Grant (DSIG))If a student meets AB 540 requirements. The student may apply for California aid using the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). | (e.g., Pell grants, federal work-study, loans)The student may apply for aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
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Status | | | | | |
United States Citizen
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Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) and Conditional Permanent Residents |
More Info
| X | X | | X |
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Undocumented must qualify for AB 540Does not qualify for work authorization, but they can obtain an ITIN to file taxes |
More Info
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Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number |
More Info
| X | X | X | |
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U Visa Holder (victim of certain crimes) Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number |
More Info
| X | X | X | |
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T Visa Holder (victim of human trafficking) Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number |
More Info | X | X |
| X |
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Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Must Qualify for AB 540, Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number |
More Info
| X | X | X | |
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Asylum Seeker (status has not been granted) Does not qualify for work authorization, but they can obtain an ITIN to file taxes |
More Info
| X | X | X | |
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Asylum Granted 1-94 stating they have granted asylum Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number (SB 296) |
More Info
| X | X | | X |
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Refugee Granted 1-94 stating they have granted asylum Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number (AB 343) |
More Info
| X | X | | X |
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Special Immigrant Juvenile (Permanent Residency has not been granted or 1-485 has not been issued with 1-360) Qualifies for work authorization and Social Security Number |
More Info
| | X | X | |
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Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) Qualifies to work authorization and SS |
More Info
| X | X | | X |