The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and Eligibility

What is the CADAA? What is the difference between FAFSA and CADAA?

The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) is California’s state financial aid application operated by CSAC that allows undocumented students to receive free financial aid such as: state and university grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grants, and private scholarships. Additionally, the CADAA allows students to pay in-state tuition at any public college or university in California.

In comparison, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a federal financial aid application for U.S. citizens, permanent residents (“green card” holders), T-visa holders, and other eligible non-citizens to apply for state and federal financial aid. 

So, while undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid or the FAFSA, they are eligible for state financial aid through the CADAA.

Who can apply for the CADAA?

Thousands of undocumented students in California apply for and receive financial aid every year. Any of the following students who meet the requirements for a “non-resident tuition exemption” can apply for the CADAA: 

• Undocumented students 
• DACA recipients (valid or expired) 
• Students with a U visa 
• Students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 

U.S. citizens or “green card holders” whose parent(s) or spouse are undocumented (mixed-status families) can also apply for the CADAA if they do not want to submit a FAFSA.

What is the “non-resident tuition exemption” or AB 540?

For more than 20 years, California has provided a pathway to allow undocumented students to attend college. “Non-resident tuition exemption” is often referred to as “AB 540” and is a requirement to apply for CADAA. AB 540 is a status that allows students to be considered a California resident for purposes of paying in-state tuition (instead of out-of-state tuition, which is much higher). To qualify for AB 540, students must submit an AB 540 Affidavit indicating that they have: 

• 3 years of coursework and 
• 3 years of attendance at a combination of California elementary school, middle school, high school, adult school, or community college 

There is a short section in the CADAA that allows you to submit the AB 540 Affidavit. So,by completing the CADAA you also submit your AB 540 Affidavit!

Is the CADAA the same thing as DACA? What if I don’t have DACA or a Social Security Number (SSN)?

CADAA and DACA are not the same despite sounding very similar.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a federal program that allows certain non-citizens to receive a work permit, SSN, and protection from immigration enforcement. 

CADAA (California Dream Act Application) is California’s state financial aid application that allows undocumented students to apply for and receive financial aid to pay for tuition, rent, books, supplies, and other costs. 

In California, students can apply for CADAA even if they do not have DACA status or a SSN as long as they meet the non-resident tuition exemption requirements. Students with DACA status should apply for CADAA instead of FAFSA.