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, 2025.
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 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
Financial aid is a barrier for many students. At 10,000 Degrees, we support students through their college journey.
Financial Aid Resources: