Dream Act

Not a US Citizen or Permanent resident?

If you qualify as an AB540 student, you may be eligible for state financial aid under the California Dream Act. AB 540 allows non-resident students who meet certain qualifications to pay in-state tuition. These students may include undocumented students, students who are US citizens but who are not CA residents, and dependent students whose parents are not CA residents.

• Have attended a CA high school for a minimum of three years; or
• Attainment of credits in California from a California high school equivalent of at least three or more years of full-time high school coursework and a total of three or more years of attendance in California Elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of those schools.
• Graduated or will graduate from a California high school or attainment of General Education Development (GED), High School Equivalency Test (HI SET), or Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), and
• Will register or enroll in an accredited and qualifying California college or university, and
• If applicable, complete an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as eligible, and
• Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, B, C, D, E, etc.)**

**If you have Temporary Protected Status or hold a U Visa you may be eligible for the  California Dream Act. 

Please contact our Admissions and Records Office to determine if you are AB 540 eligible.

Available Types of Aid

• California College Promise Grant
• State financial aid like Cal Grants, Chafee Grants, and DSIG Program
• Assistance from EOPS, CARE, or CalWORKs
• Scholarships

Where do I Start?

1. Find a California public college near you, and explore the majors, course offerings, and cost to attend
2. Complete the admissions process for the college you have selected to attend.
3. The Reedley College Admissions & Records Office will contact potential AB 540 eligible students at the email address listed on the Admissions Application regarding AB 540 eligibility criteria, and the deadline to submit the required AB 540 Affidavit Form.
4. Apply for financial aid by completing the Dream Act Application. Need assistance completing your Dream Act application? Our office can help! Come into the RC Financial Aid Office to receive assistance in completing the application
5. Meet with counselors Erika Ramos-Cano or Angelica Lopez-Cibrian to develop a plan to assist you in achieving your educational goals. Call 559-494-3000 ext. 3252 to schedule an appointment.

Now That I've Applied, What Happens Next?

1. Dream Act application will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission and sent to each college you listed on your application. Processing occurs continuously for new applicants throughout the academic year 2024-2025; (December 31, 2024 - June 30th, 2025).
2. Create a Web Grants for Students account to monitor your Cal Grant Award.
3. The Reedley College Financial Aid Office will determine if you are eligible for a California College Promise Grant. Eligibility is determined by financial need and your AB 540 residency status as determined by Admissions & Records.
4. The Financial Aid Office will send you an email to your student email account if any documents are needed to complete your financial aid file.
5. Submit any requested financial aid forms to the Reedley College Financial Aid Office.

Available Aid for AB 540 Students

The California Dream Act makes several types of state and institutional aid available to AB 540 students.