Quick Answer
Yes — undocumented students can attend college without an SSN. Federal aid requires legal status, but 20+ states offer Dream Act scholarships. California's AB 540 grants in-state tuition to qualifying undocumented students; Cal Grants don't require an SSN. Apply for private institutional aid directly — many colleges fund undocumented students.
Why Does College Matter for Undocumented Students?
Education is the one asset that immigration status cannot take away. A degree, skills, professional network, and credentials stay with you regardless of what happens with your visa status or work authorization. In California, AB 540 in-state tuition can cut costs roughly in half versus out-of-state rates, and the Dream Act adds state grants on top — college is attainable, not just aspirational.
Many undocumented students assume college is impossible because they don't qualify for federal financial aid. This is not true in California. AB 540 and the California Dream Act (CADAA) create a complete pathway: eligible students can pay in-state tuition (cutting costs in half compared to out-of-state rates), access state grants (Cal Grants A and B), get fee waivers, and take out low-interest state loans. Combined with scholarships specifically for undocumented students (TheDream.US, Golden Door Scholars, and hundreds more), college is attainable.
What college provides: A degree that no one can revoke, a professional network that opens doors regardless of status, and the option to earn more and build wealth. Studies show that undocumented college graduates earn significantly more over a lifetime than high school graduates, even accounting for work restrictions.
Can Undocumented Students Go to College?
Yes. Undocumented students can attend college in the United States — no federal law prohibits colleges from admitting them. An estimated 14 million undocumented immigrants live in the U.S. (Pew Research, 2023), and many pursue higher education. The challenge is paying for it: federal aid (FAFSA) is unavailable, but California's AB 540 in-state tuition, CADAA state aid, and private scholarships form one of the strongest pathways in the country.
NILC's overview of undocumented student rights confirms the admission rules state by state.
The Two Laws That Make It Possible in California
AB 540 - Allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at California public colleges and universities, instead of the much higher non-resident rate.
California Dream Act (CADAA) - Allows AB 540-eligible students to apply for state financial aid, including Cal Grants, scholarships, fee waivers, and loans.
Privacy Protection
Information you provide on the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is protected by California state law and will not be shared with federal immigration agencies. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has confirmed this explicitly. Your CADAA data is used only to determine financial aid eligibility.
What Is AB 540 and How Does It Help With In-State Tuition?
AB 540 (and its amendments AB 2000 and SB 68) allows undocumented students who meet California residency requirements to pay in-state tuition at UC, CSU, and community colleges. This can save tens of thousands of dollars per year.
AB 540 Eligibility Requirements
-
✓3+ years of California schooling Attended a California high school, community college, adult school, or combination of these for three or more years total.
-
✓Graduated or equivalent Graduated from a California high school, earned a GED, earned an Associate's degree from a California community college, or met transfer requirements from a California community college.
-
✓Registered or will register at a California college Must be enrolled or intending to enroll at a qualifying California public or private college.
-
✓No valid non-immigrant visa You must not hold an A, B, F, J, or other non-immigrant visa. TPS and U-Visa holders are eligible.
To claim the exemption, submit an AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit to the Admissions & Records office at your college. This form states that you will apply to legalize your immigration status when eligible.
What Are the California Dream Act Eligibility Requirements?
To qualify for CADAA state financial aid, you must first have AB 540 status — 3 or more cumulative years in California schools plus a California high school diploma, GED, or transfer equivalent. California accepts DACA, TPS, U-Visa, and undocumented students who meet these criteria; students with active B, F, or J visas are not eligible. The priority deadline is March 2.
-
✓Attended a California school 3+ years High school, community college, adult school, or a combination totaling at least 3 years in California.
-
✓Graduated or equivalent Earned a California high school diploma, GED, Associate's degree, or met transfer requirements from a California community college.
-
✓No valid non-immigrant visa B (tourist), F (student), J (exchange), and similar visas disqualify you. DACA, TPS, and U-Visa holders are eligible.
-
✓Enrolled or intending to enroll Must register or plan to register at a qualifying California college or university.
How Do I Apply for the California Dream Act (CADAA)?
If you qualify for AB 540, you are also eligible to apply for state financial aid through the CADAA — California's alternative to FAFSA for undocumented students, filed by the March 2 priority deadline each year. About 70,000 students submit CADAA applications annually in California. You cannot file FAFSA as an undocumented student; file the CADAA instead.
For the full breakdown of eligibility, deadlines, and how your ITIN fits in, see our California Dream Act financial aid guide.
Financial Aid Available Through CADAA
Cal Grant A
Covers systemwide tuition at UC or CSU for eligible students. Based on financial need and GPA. Can be held in reserve while at community college until you transfer.
Cal Grant B
Provides a living expense stipend for community college students. Converts to tuition assistance when you transfer to a UC or CSU.
California College Promise Grant
Waives the $46/unit enrollment fee at California Community Colleges. Available to eligible AB 540 students regardless of income in some cases.
California DREAM Loan
State-funded loan program for Dream Act-eligible students at UC and CSU campuses. Maximum $20,000 total. Interest rate matches federal subsidized loans.
UC Blue & Gold Plan
UC system program that covers all systemwide tuition for California residents (including AB 540 students) with family incomes under $80,000/year through grants and scholarships.
Dream Act Service Incentive Grant
Additional grant for Cal Grant B recipients who complete community service hours. Available for up to 12 quarters.
How to Apply - CADAA
Go to dream.csac.ca.gov
The CADAA opens every October 1st for the following academic year. Create an account and start your application. You must reapply every year.
File by the March 2nd Priority Deadline
Filing before March 2nd maximizes your aid eligibility, especially for Cal Grant A and B entitlement awards. You can still apply after this date but may not qualify for all programs.
Submit Your GPA Verification Form
Your high school or college must verify your GPA and submit it to CSAC. Ask your school's counselor to complete this by the priority deadline. This is required for Cal Grant consideration.
Submit Your AB 540 Affidavit
Bring your completed AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit to your college's Admissions & Records office. This confirms your eligibility for in-state tuition and state aid.
Review Your Aid Award
CSAC will notify you of your award. Check your student portal for your financial aid package and accept or decline each component. Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid - loans do.
Do Not File FAFSA
Undocumented students without a valid SSN should NOT file a FAFSA. Filing a FAFSA with incorrect or borrowed SSN information is fraud and can have serious consequences. File the CADAA instead. If you have DACA, you also file the CADAA - not FAFSA - even if you have an SSN.
What Is the Difference Between CADAA and FAFSA?
CADAA (California Dream Act Application) is California's state financial aid form for undocumented and AB 540-eligible students; FAFSA is the federal form that requires legal U.S. immigration status. Undocumented students, including those with DACA, file CADAA at dream.csac.ca.gov by March 2 to unlock Cal Grants A and B, fee waivers, and state loans. Federal Pell Grants and loans remain unavailable to them.
CADAA vs. FAFSA at a Glance
CADAA — For undocumented + AB 540 students · File at dream.csac.ca.gov · March 2 priority deadline · Unlocks Cal Grants, fee waivers, state loans
FAFSA — Requires legal U.S. status or valid SSN · File at studentaid.gov · Unlocks Pell Grants, federal loans — not available to undocumented students
What Scholarships Are Available for Undocumented Students?
Hundreds of private scholarships are available specifically for undocumented and DACA students — none require an SSN, they aren't affected by federal immigration policy, and they stack with AB 540 tuition savings and CADAA grants. The 2 best-known are TheDream.US and Golden Door Scholars, with many more listed below:
-
—TheDream.US National Scholarship One of the largest scholarship programs for DREAMers. Awards up to $33,000 for a four-year degree. Open to DACA and TPS holders. Visit thedream.us.
-
—Golden Door Scholars Full scholarships for undocumented students at partner colleges. Includes mentorship and career support. Visit goldendoorscholars.org.
-
—Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) California-based organization offering scholarships and resources specifically for undocumented students. Visit e4fc.org.
-
—College/University Institutional Aid Many UC and CSU campuses have their own undocumented student scholarship funds. Contact your campus Undocumented Student Center or financial aid office directly.
AB 540 Legal Challenge - November 2025
In November 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit challenging California's AB 540 in-state tuition policy. However, this lawsuit does not currently affect students' ability to receive in-state tuition or apply for state aid. AB 540 and CADAA remain fully active. California has pledged to defend the policy. Continue applying as usual and check for updates at csac.ca.gov.
All College & Aid Guides
Going to college as an undocumented or ITIN-holding student — financial aid, in-state tuition, scholarships, and the legal pathways that open up your options. New here? Start by applying for an ITIN.
Financial Aid & In-State Tuition
Pathways That Open After College
Money & Daily Life as a Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Can undocumented immigrants go to college in the U.S.?
Yes. Undocumented immigrants can attend college in the U.S. There is no federal law that prohibits undocumented students from enrolling in higher education. Many states offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students who meet certain requirements. In California, AB 540 allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities.
What is AB 540?
AB 540 is a California law that allows certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at California public colleges and universities instead of out-of-state rates. To qualify, you must have attended a California high school for at least 3 years and either graduated or received a GED. AB 540 also makes you eligible to apply for the California Dream Act for state financial aid.
Can undocumented students get financial aid for college?
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA). However, in California, AB 540-eligible students can apply for the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to receive Cal Grants, institutional grants, community college fee waivers, and some loan programs. Many private scholarships and universities also offer aid to undocumented students regardless of immigration status.
Can DACA students apply for FAFSA?
No. DACA recipients are not eligible for federal financial aid through FAFSA. However, in states like California, DACA recipients who meet AB 540 requirements can apply for state aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Some universities also have institutional aid programs open to DACA recipients.
Are there scholarships for undocumented students?
Yes. Many private scholarships are available to undocumented students regardless of immigration status. These include the TheDream.US scholarship, Golden Door Scholars, and hundreds of local and university-specific scholarships. Most do not require proof of legal status and only ask for proof of financial need and academic merit.
Can I apply to college without a Social Security Number?
Yes. College applications do not require a Social Security Number. The Common App and most university applications have options for students who do not have an SSN. You can use your ITIN or simply leave the SSN field blank and note that you are an undocumented student. Colleges cannot legally deny admission solely on the basis of immigration status.