Skip to Main Content

Dreamer Resource Center Division of Student Affairs

Support Page Content

Financial Aid and Residency

The Dreamer Resource Center has developed strong partnerships with the Office of Financial Aid and Residency to ensure undocumented and AB 540 students know their financial aid and residency for tuition options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders, and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.

You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are a:

  • U.S Citizen
  • Permanent Resident
  • Eligible non-citizen
  • T Visa holder

You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you are:

  • Undocumented
  • Have a valid or expired DACA
  • U Visa holders
  • Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, known as AB 540, exempts some students from paying nonresident tuition (which is greater than resident tuition) and/or permits them to apply for and receive state aid at certain public and private institutions in California.

The CSU Nonresident Tuition Exemption is open to CSU students enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students who are:

  • U.S. Citizens
  • Permanent Residents
  • Undocumented Students (including TPS, DACA, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile, and VAWA)
  • T and U Visa Holders Only

Qualified AB540 students should submit the California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request.

The form can be submitted to: caresidency@csus.edu or dropped off at the front desk of the admissions office located in Lassen Hall.

Why do I need to pay at Sac State?

If you're transferring from a California Community College, you may notice a difference in your account balance at Sacramento State. While community colleges offer the California College Promise Grant that covers tuition for eligible students, including undocumented students, this grant is not available at CSU campuses.

At Sacramento State, while your California Dream Act Application (CADAA) financial aid may cover your tuition, you may still have campus fees of approximately $900 or more remaining on your account. We understand this can be challenging, and we're here to help you explore payment options, including scholarships and the Dream Loan program.

Please contact our office to discuss these financial resources and develop a plan that works for you.