Undocumented students do not need to forego their dream of going to college. If an undocumented student meets school admission requirements and is accepted, he/she is encouraged to attend. Though undocumented students are not eligible to receive state or federal aid, many other scholarships are available. See Maldef’s website for a comprehensive list of scholarships that do not require citizenship, permanent residency, or a social security number.  

California Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) ensures undocumented students do not have to pay out-of-state tuition at California public schools if they meet all of the following requirements: 

• Attend a California high school for 3 or more years; 
• Graduate from a California high school or receive the equivalent, such as a GED; 
• Submit the AB540 nonresident tuition exemption request form and sign the confidential affidavit included with the form stating that the student will apply for legal residency as soon as possible. In this affidavit, students declare that they meet all AB 540 requirements and if they are undocumented, that they have filed an application to adjust their immigration status or will do so as soon as they are eligible to do so. 

A Note about the UC Application for Undocumented Students:

When applying to the CSU/UC system, applicants will be asked for a social security number and immigration status. Undocumented students may leave these sections blank and the otherwise completed application will still be processed. Applicants will need to answer "No Selection" under the Country of Citizenship pull-down tab.

UC Davis has a great website to help all undocumented students.