Dream Act

What is the California Dream Act?  Prior to 2011 undocumented students weren't eligible for financial aid. The Dream Act laws (AB 130 & 131) which were passed in 2011 have made certain types of federal, state, and university funded financial aid available for all students to apply for and receive. Undocumented students who qualify under AB 540 criteria can complete a Dream Act Application to determine their eligibility for the following need-based financial aid:

• California College Promise Grant
• State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
• Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs
• Privately-funded scholarships

* Specific requirements must be met by students in order to be eligible for the California College Promise Grant, Cal Grants and other grant programs. Check with your college financial aid, scholarship, EOPS/CARE and CalWORKs offices to see what aid is available. For detailed information on the California Dream Act, please visit the California Student Aid Commission page for Undocumented Dreamer Students.

How To Apply

1. Complete the admissions process.
2. The Fresno City 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.
3. Apply for financial aid.
4. Speak with a college counselor to develop a plan to help you achieve your educational goals.

After You Apply

1. Your Dream Act application will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission and sent to each college you listed on your Dream Act Application (Processing occurs continuously for new applicants throughout academic year; October 2024 - June 30, 2025).
2. The Fresno City College Financial Aid Office will download your Dream Act Application information and manually match that application with your Fresno City College Admissions Application record (Early March 2024).
3. The Fresno City 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 (Early March 2024).
4. Create a WebGrants for Students account to monitor your Cal Grant Award.
5. Submit your signed AB 540 affidavit to the FCC Admissions & Records Office immediately after you graduate from high school.
6. Submit any requested financial aid forms to the Fresno City College Financial Aid Office.

Need Help?

The Dream Center Office provides information and academic counseling to undocumented students. Dream Center staff will assist students in overcoming challenges of access, and completion of vocational or transfer-level goals in higher education. The majority of the students served in this office will be identified as Dreamers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or seeking AB 540 status.

What is an AB 540 student?

Assembly Bill 540 is a California law that allows qualified students to pay in-state tuition at the state's institutions of higher education. AB 540 does not grant state or federal financial eligibility, and only provides an exemption to the requirements to pay non-resident tuition. To qualify as an AB 540 student, undocumented students must meet the following:

• Have attended a combination of California high school, adult school, and community college for the equivalent of three (3) years or more.
• Have three (3) or more years of California high school coursework and attended a combination of California elementary, secondary, and high school of three (3) years of more.
• Have graduated or will graduate with a California high school diploma or have the equivalent (i.e. California-issued GED, CHSPE).
• Have completed or will complete an associate's degree from a California Community College.
• Have completed or will complete the minimum requirements at a California Community College for transfer to the California State University or the University of California. 
• File or plan to file an affidavit form as required by individual institutions, stating that he/she will apply for legal residency as soon as possible;
• Not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, E, etc.).

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