Paying for College
Step 1: AB 540 Application
California public colleges & universities charge tuition & fees.
Applying for and being granted AB 540 status lowers the
tuition you pay.
Why that matters:
Public colleges and universities in California have two types of tuition rates:
-
In-State Tuition
- Classes cost LESS for people considered "California Residents" or classified as AB 540
-
Out-of-State Tuition
- Classes cost MORE for people from outside of California or not classified as AB 540
To be considered, complete the AB 540 application and submit it to your college's Admissions & Records Office.
AB 540 Application: Do you qualify?
Eligibility includes attendance at CA schools, such as High School, Adult Education, or Community College. See detailed eligibility criteria below!
Being granted AB 540 is key to accessing state financial aid if your income qualifies you.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you don't qualify for AB 540 yet, there can still be ways to "reach eligibility."
Please contact our UndocuLiason at LPC-undoc@laspositascollege.edu to make an AB 540 Eligibility Plan!
Step 2: CA Dream Act Application
The California Dream Act allows eligible students, including some citizens and undocumented students, to apply for state financial aid to help pay for college at public and private schools in California.
Why that matters:
Even community college can be expensive, and the California
Dream Act provides access to state-funded grants, scholarships, and fee waivers, including:
- Cal Grants, California College Promise Grant (formerly BOG Waiver), and some scholarships.
- None of this is money you have to pay back.
- Connect with Financial Aid to learn all the options.
Who can apply:
To qualify, students must:
- Be verified as an AB 540 Student at a California College
- Be enrolled in or planning to attend a California College
- Meet income & other eligibility requirements.
Our Financial Aid Office holds California Dream Act Application workshops every semester! Be sure to renew your CA Dream Act application every year by Sept. 2nd.
Important Note:
Applying for, or receiving financial aid through the California Dream Act does NOT
count against you under public charge rules (page 4). Financial aid for school is not considered "cash assistance."
AB 540 Eligibilty in Depth
AB 540 Opens Many Doors!
AB 540 is a tuition equity program that supports students who are educated in California. It is open to citizens & noncitizens. In the beginning, eligibility requirements only focused on high school. However, advocates expanded eligibility to include adult schools, noncredit programs, and credit classes at CCCs.
Overview of AB 540 Eligibility
Eligibility is based on:
- Your immigration statu
- s Three years of full-time attendance or the part-time equivalent at California high
schools, adult schools and/or, community colleges (noncredit and credit courses)
- You can combine attendance from multiple schools.
- High School Diploma, GED, Associate's Degree, or transfer requirements to the CSU & UC Degree
- Check out our admissions page & this guide for more details.
- If you are wondering whether you meet the requirements, you can use this free & confidential tool.
Accessing the Benefits of AB 540
In order to access the benefits AB 540 provides, you have to submit the following to your Admissions & Records Office:
- a signed AB 540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption form;
- any necessary documentation, if required, such as:
- High school transcripts, community college transcripts, or attendance records from adult school or noncredit.
- Proof of High School Diploma, GED, or Associate's Degree
Getting classified as AB 540 is an important step! More than reducing your tuition, it provides other benefits such as access to college scholarships, admissions to specific majors, participation in EOPS programs, and more!
If you have questions, contact the Admissions Office. We are here to help! LPC-undocu@laspositascollege.edu
CA Dream Act & More!
Paying for College
Covering college costs goes beyond your tuition. It also includes books, transportation, supplies & living expenses. So it's important to apply forall the financial aid you can! Click here to see all the types of available aid.
Important things to Remember
- Any information you provide is protected.
- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), which administers the California Dream Act, has committed to protecting you and your family's data to the fullest extent of the law.
- Apply or renew your CADAA before September 2nd to be considered for Cal Grants & get your GPA verified.
- If you plan to transfer, apply by March 2nd because the CSUs & UCs have a different priority deadline.
- Remember, you will also be considered for other grants, even if you apply after the deadline.
If you have questions, contact the Financial Aid Office at lpcfinaid@laspositascollege.edu.
Applying for Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to get additional financial support for school. Each scholarship has different requirements, but talk to trusted advisors to find options for institutional and private scholarships. Many scholarships don't require a Social Security number. Click here to find out how to apply and where to look!
GO AHEAD, APPLY TODAY!
Not Eligible for AВ 540?
Although there are ways to reach AB 540 eligibility if you are undocumented, it may take a long time. However, that does not prevent you from attending CA colleges or universities. These are some options to take affordable classes at Las Positas College.
NONCREDIT COURSES
Noncredit classes are offered at many community colleges to help students, including older adults gain specific skills, get their GED, or learn English.
Students can track their attendance and use it to build eligibility for AB 540.
(420 hours = one year of attendance.)
Click the link below to see our Noncredit offerings!
Note: You can even sign up for online noncredit courses at colleges far away.
ADULT SCHOOL
Adult Schools are created specifically for older students who are looking to learn English, get their GED, and pursue their educational goals.
Students can take classes at Adult Schools and track their attendance, building eligibility for AB 540.
(420 hours = one year of attendance).
Click the link below to see local Adult School programs.
GETTING YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED?
Additionally, students pursuing a high school diploma or equivalent certificate, like a GED at an adult school or community college, may be able to enroll in up to 11 credit units per semester ata community college like Las Positas College.
This is possible through SB 554, which expands dual enrollment for eligible
students and offers them the chance to take college courses while working
towards their AB 540 eligibility
Note: Not all colleges have implemented this, but ours has!
