AB 540 Student Resources

The Commission has launched a new series providing financial aid education resources for AB 540 students. If you are an undocumented or under-documented student, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates at UC, CSU and California Community College campuses. To qualify you must have:

• Completed at least three years of high school in California
• Graduated from a California high school or received your GED in California
• Signed an affidavit promising to start the process to legalize your residency as soon as you are eligible to do so

If you filed an application for permanent residency at least one year before enrolling in college, you may already be eligible for in-state tuition rates and California state aid.

Your college’s admission’s office can provide information about in-state tuition rates. Download the College and Financial Aid guide for AB 540 Undocumented Immigrant Students at AB 540 Undocumented Immigrant Students

Information about scholarships that may not require legal permanent residency can be located at Latino College Dollars.

Click on MALDEF.org for an abundance of helpful information. There you will find Access to College for All which provides an AB 540 Tuition Comparison Fact Sheet, Frequently Asked Questions and helpful quick reference brochure in both English and Spanish. MALDEF promotes equality and justice through litigation, advocacy, public policy, and community education in the areas of employment, immigrants’ rights, voting rights, education, and language rights.

Visit a free Cash for College Workshop at a location near you to receive help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Cal Grant Grade Point Average (GPA) forms required for Cal Grants. Cal Grants are free money for college that is awarded to students who meet eligibility, income and academic requirements. The money can be used to attend any California Community College, Cal State University, University of California, private college, and most career technical or vocational schools. The best thing of all, the money does not have to be paid back!

The Council of Mexican Federations (COFEM), its affiliated Federations and The New Partnerships Foundation offer scholarships to both students currently enrolled in an accredited college and incoming college freshmen. Take a look at their upcoming workshops , scholarships and application.

Download an informative AB 540 Resource Guide from CSULB to find our how your Advisors can help you with the financial aid for education process.

Don’t hesitate to take advantage of the available recourses available which will help you through the process of identifying and applying for financial aid for education. Opt in, don’t opt out on your academic future.