We support undocumented students

Financial aid and student support programs are available to help.

At a California community college, every student can succeed regardless of background or immigration status.

Many colleges offer on-campus resources for students seeking immigration support — such as Undocumented Liaisons, undocumented student resource centers, free immigration legal services and year-round financial aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

California community colleges will NEVER share your information with the federal government.

Read below for more information and to get directly connected to support at your local college.

Undocumented and Non-Resident Students Standing Together in California Community College Campus Library

Financial Aid

Undocumented, AB 540 eligible students (nonresident students exempt from paying nonresident tuition)- should fill out a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA form to apply for financial aid.

Be sure to submit the CADAA and a certified GPA by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline to get the most assistance possible. After completing your CADAA, you must create a WebGrants 4 Students account to check your Cal Grant eligibility status. Submit a signed “Non-Resident Exemption” Request (some schools will refer to this document as an “AB 540 affidavit”) to your school of choice to qualify for in-state fees at a community college.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes the application, and any aid received can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions. Qualified students can receive financial assistance such as private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, California College Promise Grant (CCPG) fee waivers and Cal Grants.

Free Immigration Legal Services

Findyourally.com is your free online resource to help find immigration legal services and case support on campus or virtually. Schedule a free appointment with a legal representative with a simple search by zip code or college name and get information on how to prepare for a scheduled appointment.

UndocuLiaisons and Undocumented Resource Centers

Every California community college campus has an UndocuLiaison available to provide answers and support for undocumented students of all nationalities and backgrounds. Additionally, many campuses have an Undocumented Resource Center, which provide a safe community and a judgement-free place that makes it easier for undocumented students to focus on school and know they have support. 

To find out if your college has an Undocumented Resource Center, or to find contact information for your college's UndocuLiaison, please use our college locator tool and enter your zip code. You will be able to select the college of your choice and find these and other valuable support programs available near you.

Additional Support Services

California Department of Social Services/DACA Support
California Department of Social Services funds programs and provides community education that helps immigrants living in California, including DACA students.

Supporting Undocumented Students
California community colleges offer numerous services to all undocumented students.

More financial aid programs are available.

Most U.S. citizens qualify for financial aid with a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Undocumented students can get assistance through the California Dream Act (CADAA).

PELL GRANTS

Grant

Federal Pell Grants go to undergraduate students without college degrees who come from low-income families.

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CAL GRANT PROGRAM

Grant

Cal Grants get awarded to California resident undergraduates based on financial need, academic performance and other factors.

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PROMISE GRANTS

Grant

Low-income students and students receiving cash assistance may automatically apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG).

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STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship

The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment (CCCSE) offers over 3,000 student scholarships per year.

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WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS

Part-Time Employment

Federal work-study students earn money to pay for college by working a part-time job on-campus or out in the community.

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FOSTER YOUTH

Grant

Foster youth students who were in care on or after their 16th birthday can apply for a Chafee Grant up until they turn 26.

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