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California Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act is a law that allows undocumented and nonresident students (US citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid. The California Dream Act is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Instead of submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), students for whom any of the following are true can submit the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to receive financial aid. Be sure to list the Merced College school code, 00123700, on your CADAA. Before you start the actual application, you will be prompted to create an account username and password. If you are a dependent student, at least one parent will need to sign your Dream Act application.

You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you:

  • Are undocumented

  • Have a valid or expired DACA status

  • Are a U visa holder

  • Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

  • Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540

Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students

Undocumented students may qualify for the following types of financial aid:

  • State grants, including the California College Promise Grant (formerly BOG Fee Waiver), Cal Grants, Chafee Grants, and Student Success Completion Grant

  • Assistance from EOPS, CARE, or CalWORKs

  • Some scholarships

  • Merced Promise Program