Financial Aid

Financial aid is available for undocumented students. At the DREAM Center, we can assist you with DREAM Act applications, AB 540 forms, and navigating the financial aid process.

The California Dream Act

The California Dream Act is composed of two different laws that allow eligible AB 540 students to qualify for institutional and state funds.

What do these students qualify for?

Steps to ensure you receive aid

A Dreamer Cal Grant application = CA Dream Act Application + Non-SSN GPA

Complete the California Dream Act application by March 2nd
Make sure your GPA verification was sent by March 2nd
You can submit your GPA the following ways
– Recommended: Non-SSN
– SSN (with your DACA) – but you MUST make sure you include your DACA SSN on Question #8 of your CA Dream Act Application (may slow down processing of your application)

Tips:

If you are a male, register for the selective service and show proof to your financial aid office.
If you are selected for verification, turn in your documents in advance

Understanding Cal Grant for Dreamers

Dreamer Cal Grants include:

High School Entitlement Cal Grant A & B

Meet AB 540 requirements
Graduate high school or equivalent (GED, CHSPE) after July 1, 2013
Submit a high school GPA

CCC Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant A & B

Meet AB 540 requirements
Under 28 by Dec 31st of the award year
Attend a community college in the academic year immediately before the award year
Submit a community college GPA of 24+ units (2.40 or higher)
Include a 4-year college on your Dream App

Cal Grant C

Meet AB 540 requirements
Enroll in an occupational or technical program
Indicate an occupational or technical program on Q#30 of your Dream App

Dreamers are not eligible to receive Competitive Cal Grant A & B awards.

Making College Affordable

The following list of resources may assist you to make college less financially stressful. Please contact us to further assist you. We can also put you in touch with the UCI Campus Social Worker (List of Resources compiled by their office).

Scholarships

Work Study

Currently, only students who have a work authorization permit (e.i. U-Visa or DACA) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are allowed to work. Students who can apply to:
campus jobs with work study
campus jobs without work study
community jobs (Visit the Career Center for more information)

To apply for Work Study:

Go to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships and ask for a form called “Change of Status”
On the form, indicate you are interested in work study
Provide a copy of your work authorization permit to Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship (OFAS)
Register your SSN with the registrar office
Wait 5-10 business days to receive notification from OFAS about your eligibility

Please note that OFAS will not assign you employment. It is your duty to find employment on campus that will pay you through work study. If you apply for work study and you do not utilize, you will lose your opportunity for the following years. There is an appeal process if you lose it but it is difficult to be approved.

The DREAM Loan

The DREAM Loan provides eligible AB540 undergraduates with the option to borrow loans to help cover the cost of attending UC.
The DREAM Loan is a subsidized loan provided by The Regents of the University of California and the State of California to DREAMER students who demonstrate financial aid eligibility. More details regarding the terms and conditions of the DREAM Loan is provided on our DREAM Loan Information Page: http://www.ofas.uci.edu/content/TypesOfAid.aspx?nav=3&id=dreamloan

Emergency Funds

Save on Food

Save on Books

Housed within the Division of Undergraduate Education, Student Support Services (SSS) is an academic support program dedicated to helping first-generation college, low-income, former foster youth, and/or disabled students succeed and thrive at UCI.

They have a Book Loan Program on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please contact Tameyka Love at (949) 824-6234 or at tlove@uci.edu.