Financial Support and Assistance
Legislation That Makes College More Affordable
Undocumented students can apply for financial aid through the California Dream Act.
The Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB 540) and the California Dream Act are California state programs and are not affected by
changes to DACA. These programs continue to expand access to in-state tuition and
financial aid for undocumented and mixed-status students in California.
Apply for Financial AidVisit Financial Aid to learn more about the California Dream Act Application, review step-by-step instructions, and access additional resources designed for DREAMers. You can also download the Financial Aid for DREAMers brochure from the Financial Aid Office. |
Scholarships for Undocumented and Mixed-Status Students
Undocumented students are eligible for most Foothill College scholarships. For outside scholarships, Immigrants Rising maintains an updated Scholarship & Fellowship List with national and local opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate undocumented students.
Quick Summary
These California laws are not tied to DACA, federal visas, or immigration enforcement.
They are education-focused, and eligibility depends on California schooling and residency criteria—not immigration
status.
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AB 540 = In-state tuition eligibility
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SB 68 = Expanded AB 540 pathways and alternative qualifications
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California Dream Act = State financial aid access
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AB 130 = Access to private institutional scholarships
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AB 131 = Access to state-funded financial aid
These laws determine whether a student can pay in-state tuition instead of out-of-state or international rates. As an In-state resident, you can reduce tuition costs by gaining in-state resident rates.
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AB 540 — The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption allows eligible undocumented, DACA, and other students to pay in-state tuition.
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SB 68 — The Expansion of AB 540 eligibility broadens how you can meet the three-year California education requirement and offers alternative pathways (e.g., community college, adult school, associate degree, transfer requirements).
These laws provide access to financial aid at California public colleges to students who do not qualify for federal aid. These alternative state-based aid options offer undocumented students aid when access to FAFSA or federal financial aid is unavailable.
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California Dream Act (umbrella)
A set of laws that allow AB 540-eligible students to receive state and institutional financial assistance. -
AB 130 Allows qualified students to receive private scholarships offered by public colleges and universities.
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AB 131 Allows qualified students to receive state-funded aid, including:
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California College Promise Grant (formerly BOG Fee Waiver)
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Cal Grants
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Institutional campus aid
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Contact UsStudent Affairs & ActivitiesBuilding 2100, Room 2149Pauline Brown, BIPOC Center Supervisor (650) 949-7326 brownpauline@fhda.edu |
