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Undocumented Students

The DVC Dreamers Alliance is here to help undocumented students and provide support services that meet their unique needs.

The term “Dreamer” is used to describe young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, who have lived and gone to school here, and who identify as American and consider the United States home.

The California Dream Act means eligible undocumented students can receive state funded financial aid and private scholarships. The California Dream Act has nothing to do with immigration or pathways to citizenship. It is only for receiving financial aid.

Undocumented students may be eligible for in-state tuition

Assembly Bill 540 (AB540) allows eligible undocumented students to pay resident tuition ($46/unit) instead of non-resident tuition ($300/unit). To apply, submit the California Non-resident Tuition Exemption Request Form to the Admissions and Records Office.

Undocumented students are eligible to apply for the Cal Grant

Cal Grant eligible students will receive up to $1,670/year for educational expenses. The Cal Grant may also cover full cost of tuition at the UCs and CSUs for students who are planning to transfer. To apply for the Cal Grant program, the California DREAM Act application and the GPA Verification Form must be submitted by March 2 of the application year.

Undocumented students are eligible to apply for the California College Promise Grant

Undocumented students who are eligible for AB540 may apply for the California College Promise Grant which waives the $46/unit fee at DVC. To apply for the CA College Promise Grant, fill out the California DREAM Act application or via CCC Apply. Please note the CA College Promise Grant does NOT have a March 2 deadline and students may continue to apply throughout the academic year.

Undocumented students are eligible to apply for EOPS

Undocumented students who are eligible for AB540 and the CA College Promise Grant may apply for Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS). EOPS offers academic counseling, book vouchers, free tutoring, and other support services. Learn more about the EOPS application process.

Undocumented students may apply for some scholarships

All undocumented students are encouraged to apply for the Dreamers Scholarship at DVC. To qualify, students must have at least a 2.0 GPA and be a continuing student. Students applying for this scholarship do not have to be AB540 eligible and the information on your application will be kept strictly confidential.

In addition to the Dreamers Scholarship, undocumented students may also apply for other scholarships that do not require U.S citizenship. For more information regarding the application process and requirements, visit the Scholarship Office.

Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid

Undocumented students are not eligible to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive any federally funded student financial aid, including: Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, work-study, and student loans. Students who have a social security number from Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not eligible to apply for FAFSA.

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All financial aid students are required to check their DVC student email account through InSite on a regular basis in order to receive notifications, file status updates, announcements, and further instructions from the Financial Aid Office.

Financial Aid school codes:

• DVC FAFSA Federal School Code: 001191
• DVC CA DREAM Act Application School Code: 00119100

Contact Financial Aid

• Pleasant Hill
• San Ramon