Students
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
What is the California Dream Act Application?
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is a FREE application that allows AB540 students enrolled in eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Technical Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. Many California colleges and universities require a completed CADAA application to be eligible for additional institutional aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
When do I need to apply?
Application is open from December 2023 – April 2, 2024.
What do I need to complete the CADAA Application?
Students and Parents will need:
- Their and their parent’s prior year W-2 forms (if they worked)
- Their and their parent’s previous year’s tax forms (if they filed)
- Parent’s Social Security Numbers (if applicable)
- Parent’s marital status and marriage/divorce date (month/year)
- Parent’s date of birth (month/day/year)
- Record of untaxed income such as social security benefits or welfare benefits
*Note: On this application SSN are not required, you may enter (9XX-XX-XXXX) OR (000-00-0000)
2024-2025 Parent Signature will be built into the original submission and will not need a separate parent pin creation.
What is AB540 Affidavit?
AB540 authorizes undocumented students who meet specific criteria to pay in-state tuition at California’s public colleges and universities (CCC, CSU, UC).
Below are the requirements:
- Attended 3 cumulative years a California school (High School, Community College, Adult School)
- Graduated from a California High School with a high school diploma or attained the equivalent (GED):
- Be registered or currently enrolled in one of the three state institutions of higher education in California
*Starting December 2023 AB540 Affidavit will be embedded to the California Dream Act Application, However colleges may ask for further information in the future
Financial Aid Resources for Undocumented Students
Financial aid is a barrier to many students who identify as undocumented. At 10,000 Degrees, we are here to support you through your college journey and make sure you are aware of all the types of financial aid available to you.
Links to Financial Aid Resources for Undocumented Students:
Once students have submitted their FAFSA or CADAA, they can apply for the 10,000 Degrees Scholarship.