Financial Aid Tips for Undocumented Students

Learn about all of the different types of grants DREAMers may be eligible by submitting the California Dream Act Application!

If you submitted the California Dream Act Application online, you applied for ALL of the different types of state financial aid programs listed below that are available for dreamers at DVC. After reviewing your application, the Financial Aid Office will determine which of these programs you are eligible to receive. You may check the status of your application by logging in to your InSite Portal.

California Promise Grant

• California Promise Grant (B) — free tuition at DVC AND also eligible to apply for EOPS
• California Promise Grant (C) — free tuition at DVC but NOT eligible to apply for EOPS

Cal Grant 

(Requires high school GPA and CA Dream Act Application by March 2nd deadline)

Cal Grant A

• Covers cost of tuition at 4 year university
• Grant will be on reserve while attending community college

Cal Grant B

• Covers cost of tuition at 4 year university AND
• Up to $1656/year for educational expenses
  • 12 or more units = $828
  • 9-11 units= $621
  • 6-8 units = $414
  • Less than 6 units = $0

Cal Grant C

• Up to $547/year for students interested in occupational or technical fields

Full Time Student Success Grant

(Must also be eligible for Cal Grant B to receive this grant)

• If enrolled in at least 12 units per semester = $649 
• If enrolled in at least 15 units per semester = $2000

Chafee Grant

(Must be current or former foster youth)

• Up to $5000/year for educational expenses for current or former foster youth

Important Reminders

• To qualify for any programs under CA Dream Act, students must be eligible for AB540:
  • Have attended a high school in California for at least three years
  • Have graduated from a California high school with a diploma or equivalent (GED, HS proficiency)
  • Submitted the California Non-resident Tuition Exemption Request Form to the Admissions Office
  • Submitted a copy of official high school transcripts to the Admissions Office
• The California Dream Act Application must be renewed online, ideally between October 1st and March 2nd every academic year
• Cal Grant eligible students must create a WebGrants for Students account online in order to manage their Cal Grant awards (request leave of absence, change school of attendance, track application status and remaining years of eligibility, etc.) 
• AB540 and BOG Fee Waiver eligible students may also apply for EOPS
• Dreamers are highly encouraged to apply for scholarships
• Be sure to access more information about DREAMers Support at DVC

Which Financial Aid Application Should I Use? 

• The FAFSA application is for US citizens or non-citizens with legal resident status in the US
• The CA Dream Act Application is for undocumented students who meet eligibility requirements for AB540