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Prepare For CADAA

Apply NowCADAA

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows eligible undocumented and nonresident students to apply for California state financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and fee waivers. Students must apply every school year to continue to be considered for financial aid. Submit early to maximize aid opportunities, as many programs are first-come, first-served.

Eligibility Criteria Financial Information Required
Who can Apply?

Any of the following students who meet the requirements for a “non-resident tuition exemption” can apply for the CADAA: 

  • Undocumented students 
  • DACA recipients (valid or expired) 
  • Students with a U visa 
  • Students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 

U.S. citizens or “green card holders” whose parent(s) or spouse are undocumented (mixed-status families) can also apply for the CADAA if they do not want to submit a FAFSA.
Education Requirement Must have a high school diploma, GED, or approved equivalent and meet California AB 540 eligibility requirements (include attending a California high school for at least 3 years)

Program of Study Requirement

 Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program at a participating California college, university, or career school
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Must maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school (typically includes GPA, course completion rate, and maximum time to complete program)

 

Submitting your CADAA early is important to maximize your financial aid opportunities.

Award Year Financial Information Required Filing Period Last Day To Make Corrections
2025-2026 2023 Income Information December 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026 August 21, 2026
2026-2027 2024 Income Information October 1, 2025 - June 30, 2027 August 21, 2027

 

Before starting your CADAA, have the following information available:

  • California Dream Act account login information
  • Tax returns, W-2s, and records of income (student and parent, if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income or assets, if required
  • Social Security Number (if you have one) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), if applicable
  • California residency and high school attendance information
  • A list of colleges you plan to attend, including Glendale Community College

Your Dream Act account allows you to access and electronically sign your CADAA application.

How to Create a Dream Act Account

  • Visit dream.csac.ca.gov
  • Select “Create an Account”
  • Enter your personal information
  • Create your username and password
  • Set up your email address and security questions
  • Save your login information in a secure location

 

Visit dream.csac.ca.gov to complete your California Dream Act Application online.

  • Log in using your Dream Act account
  • Complete all required sections of the application
  • Add Glendale Community College to receive your application information
  • School Code: 001203
  • Review all information carefully before submitting

 

After submitting your CADAA:

  • Review your confirmation page for accuracy
  • Make corrections if needed
  • Monitor your email and student portal for updates or additional requirements

GCC will use your CADAA information to determine your eligibility for California state financial aid programs.

 

 

After submitting your CADAA, Glendale Community College may request additional documents to verify your financial aid information.

What You Should Do

  • Log in to your GCC student portal regularly
  • Review your Financial Aid To-Do List for any missing documents or requirements
  • Submit all requested forms and documentation as soon as possible
  • Monitor your GCC student email for important updates from the Financial Aid Office

Verification requirements may include:

  • Income verification documents
  • Proof of California residency or AB 540 eligibility
  • High school attendance or graduation records
  • Household size or dependency information

Financial aid cannot be finalized until all required documents have been received and reviewed.

 

Tips for Success

  • Apply early to maximize available aid.
  • Double-check all information before submitting.
  • Respond promptly to requests for additional documents.
  • Take advantage of GCC's Financial Aid Workshops for hands-on assistance with completing your application.
 
Remember:

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is free to complete. You should never pay a third party to submit your application.