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Help Paying for College for Undocumented Students

Please note that the California Dream Act has nothing to do with immigration or pathways to citizenship.  It is only for the purposes of receiving state financial aid.

California College Promise Grant Fee Waiver Program

Undocumented students who are eligible for AB540 may apply for the California College Promise Grant, which waives the $46/unit fee at CCC. To apply for the California College Promise Grant, fill out the California DREAM Act application. Please note the fee waiver does NOT have a March 2nd deadline and students may continue to apply throughout the academic year.

Cal Grant

Cal Grant eligible students will receive up to $1670/ year for educational expenses. In addition, the Cal Grant may also cover full cost of tuition at University of California and California State University campuses for students who are planning to transfer. To apply for the Cal Grant program, the California DREAM Act application and the GPA Verification Form must be submitted by March 2nd of the application year.

In-State Tuition

Students who meet certain residency requirements quality for in-state tuition. Immigrants Rising has prepared an online tool to help you figure out whether or not you qualify.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

Undocumented students who are eligible for AB540 and the California Promise Grant (formerly BOG Fee Waiver), may apply for EOPS. EOPS’s primary goal is to encourage the enrollment, retention and transfer of students disadvantaged by language, social, economic and educational circumstances, and to facilitate the successful completion of their goals and objectives in college. EOPS offers academic counseling, book vouchers, free tutoring, and other support services. To apply, please visit the EOPS Office.

Scholarship Office

Scholarships are a financial resource provided to students by the generosity of our Foundation, local businesses, community groups, alumni, and a variety of other private donors. Scholarship funds help to assist students in paying for their higher education expenses when federal and state financial assistance is not enough. Unlike loans, scholarship funds do not have to be paid back! The Contra Costa College Office of Financial Assistance encourages all students to apply for scholarship opportunities.  Many scholarships are open to undocumented students.

Richmond Promise

Scholarship for students who are residents of the City of Richmond up to a maximum of $1500 per year depending on length of residency in the City of Richmond.  To apply, students’ must submit a copy of the California Dream Act Student Aid Report (CalSAR) and complete an application.  To be eligible, student must:

  1. have been a Richmond or North Richmond resident for at least four years;
  2. graduate from a high school within the West Contra Costa Unified School District boundaries; and
  3. have attended local schools since the 9th grade.

To apply and for more information, visit www.richmondpromise.org or email richmondpromise@scholarshipamerica.org.

Educators for Fair Consideration Information for Undocumented Students

The mission of the Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) is to empower undocumented young people to achieve their academic and career goals and actively contribute to society.

Immigrants Rising

Immigrants Rising has prepared numerous guides and mini-guides that you might find useful. You should definitely check out their resources they’ve made available.