Financial Support
Navigating financial aid as an undocumented student can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone. UCSC Undocumented Student Services is here to help you access the resources available to you, from in-state tuition options and California Dream Act aid to scholarships and emergency support. Whether you’re newly admitted or continuing your journey, this page outlines key programs and next steps to help you fund your education.
Qualifying for in-state tuition
California and UC provide three pathways for undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition. Each pathway has specific requirements described below.
Next steps after admission: Submit your Statement of Legal Residence through your UCSC Portal. If you receive nonresident classification, you may receive additional forms to complete for AB 540 eligibility. Once UC grants you in-state tuition, you don’t need to resubmit as long as your status doesn’t change and you remain enrolled at UCSC.
Privacy protection: All information regarding residency is protected and only used for institutional purposes. Personal and parent information will not be shared with outside agencies.
AB 540
Requirements:
- Attended a California high school for 3 or more full academic years
- Graduated from a California high school, attained a GED, or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE)
- Registered/enrolled at an accredited institution of public higher education in California
- Will file affidavit stating you will apply for legal residency as soon as possible
- Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, E, etc.)
Submit: AB 540 Affidavit and Official High School Transcript to:
1156 High Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95064
- Download AB540 Affidavit (PDF)
- Quick Guide to AB 540 (PDF)
- System-wide AB 540 FAQ (PDF)
AB 2000 (2014 expansion)
Requirements:
- Attended a combination of CA elementary, middle and/or high schools for a total of three or more years.
- Graduated from a CA high school or equivalent (e.g., GED or CHSPE) before start of term
- Registered/enrolled at an accredited institution of public higher education in CA
- Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, E, etc.)
- Will file affidavit stating you will apply for legal residency as soon as possible
Note: If you qualify for in-state tuition through AB 2000, still complete and submit the AB 540 affidavit.
SB 68
Expands AB 540/AB 2000 to include:
- California Community College attendance
- Attainment of an associate’s degree
- Full-time attendance at a CA Community College, Adult School, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction School, High School, or combination of these schools can count toward the 3-year requirement.
- Associate’s Degree or UC/CSU minimum transfer requirements can meet graduation requirements.
California residency with DACA
UC residence policy allows in-state tuition consideration for individuals who have lived in California for one year and one day while under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Important: Only pursue this option if you cannot qualify for AB 540/AB 2000, as this option does not grant access to institutional aid through the CA Dream Act.
The California Dream Act
The California Dream Act allows undocumented AB 540 students to apply for and receive institutional scholarships, state-administered financial aid, and university grants.
AB 130
Allows eligible AB 540 students to apply for and receive scholarships at California public colleges and universities from non-state funds.
AB 131
Allows eligible AB 540 students to apply for and receive financial aid at California public colleges and universities, partially from state funds.
Application deadline: You must fill out a California Dream Act application every year. Applications typically open December 31 and close April 2. Visit the California Student Aid Commission website for more information.
Applying for financial aid without a Social Security number
If you or your parent(s)/spouse do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you may still be able to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and access financial aid.
Students without an SSN:
You can create an FSA ID using alternative forms of identification (such as a passport or government-issued ID).
The Department of Education now accepts these documents and a signed attestation to verify your identity.
This change helps students without SSNs access federal student aid programs more easily, starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA.
Parents or spouses without an SSN (FAFSA contributors):
Contributors without an SSN currently face challenges completing the FAFSA form.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is monitoring this issue and has created a listserv to provide updates and guidance to students in this situation.
Need help? You’re not alone. If you’re unsure how to proceed, reach out to a USS or EOP academic counselor for one-on-one support. Make an appointment via Slug Success or email eopab540@ucsc.edu.
Scholarship opportunities
We highly encourage all undocumented students to actively apply for scholarships throughout their time at UCSC.
UndocuCareer Development Fund
The UndocuCareer Development Fund offers students the opportunity to apply to a scholarship for their participation in a variety of career-relevant opportunities including unpaid/underpaid internships and fellowships, conference registration, and professional development.
Eligibility:
- California Dream Act Application (CADAA) on file with the UCSC Financial Aid & Scholarship office
- Enrolled full time (12 units or more)
- Good academic and student conduct standing
- Have a cumulative 2.0 GPA
Get started: Schedule an appointment with a USS/EOP counselor to get started. During this meeting, you will discuss your opportunity and receive guidance on the application process.
Need help finding an opportunity? Please refer to our Resource List to connect with an office that is willing to host a UCDF student!If you have questions, please email us at eopab540@ucsc.edu.
UCSC opportunities
- Koret Research Scholarship: $2,000 for students doing research projects (up to 50 recipients).
- Building Belonging Program: $1,500/quarter for faculty-mentored service-learning projects (100 scholarships/year).
California/regional scholarships
- Chicana Latina Foundation: $1,500 scholarship with year-long leadership program (45 recipients annually).
- Latinos in Technology: By Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley, includes networking opportunities.
- CA Dream Act Service Incentive Grant: Up to $4,500/year for community service (1,667 recipients).
National scholarships
- The Dream US: For DACA/TPS students with significant financial need (high school seniors and transfers only).
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund: Empowers Latino families with education resources and scholarships.
- Obama Voyager Scholarship: Two-year leadership development program for students passionate about public service.
Scholarship resources and tools
- Scholarship Search Chart: Track applications and deadlines.
- Essay Building Worksheet: Gather thoughts and examples for your scholarship or fellowship essay.
- Personal Statement Guide: Tips for disclosing your undocumented status in your essay if you choose to.
- Immigrants Rising: A curated list of scholarships and fellowships that don’t require proof of U.S. citizenship.
- MALDEF: Annual scholarship resource guide.
- MyUndocumentedLife: Scholarships open to undocumented students.
AB 540 Undocumented student emergency fund
The Chancellor has contributed to a retention fund that assists AB 540/Undocumented students facing financial hardships.
What we can help with:
- Immigration-related expenses
- Housing crisis
- Medical expenses
- Food insecurity
Who is eligible?
- Currently enrolled at UCSC
- AB 540 student status
- Facing financial difficulty
- No requirement to take out Dream Loan first
Application process
- Create a budget with a peer mentor and/or EOP academic counselor
- Meet with EOP academic counselor
- USS Coordinator and EOP academic counselor will determine eligibility
- Receive EOP Award Notice with follow-up items
How to get started
Call the EOP front desk at (831) 459-2296 or schedule an appointment via Slug Success. For general questions, email eopab540@ucsc.edu.
Selective services
Required for Financial Aid: Males ages 18–25 must register for Selective Service to be eligible for CA Dream Act financial aid.
What is Selective Services?
Selective Service is the system used in the U.S. to draft males into armed service. Although the U.S. currently has no draft and hasn’t had one in a long time, all males are required by law to register with the Selective Service when they reach the age of eighteen. And yes, even undocumented individuals.
Why register?
Financial Aid: Required for CA Dream Act eligibility
Future citizenship: Not registering before age 26 can delay naturalization until age 31.
How to register
Easiest: Choose “Register Me” on CA Dream Act application at caldreamact.org.
Alternative: Fill out postcard at Post Office or online at sss.gov. Ask for a “proof of mailing” from the Post Office if you choose this option.
No SSN required. Registration accepted until your 26th birthday.
Privacy: Selective Service does not collect or share immigration status information. It has no authority to collect such information and it is irrelevant to registration. Learn more about registering for the Selective Services.