What is an AB 540 student?

On October 12, 2001, Governor Davis signed into law Assembly Bill 540 (Stats. 2001, ch. 814) that added a new section 68130.5 to the California Education Code. Section 68130.5 created a new exemption from the payment of nonresident tuition for certain nonresident students who have attended high school in California and received a high school diploma or its equivalent.

You are an AB540 student, and exempt from paying non-resident enrollment fees, if you meet all of the following criteria:

  • Attended a California high school for at least three years;
  • Graduated from a California high school, got a GED or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam;
  • Are registered or enrolled at a California community college;
    AND 
  • Complete an affidavit(Spanish affidavit) saying you have filed (or will file when your are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.
  • The completed affidavit and HS transcripts must be submitted to the Admissions & Records Office.

What is the California Dream Act?

The Dream Act is the result of two bills that were passed in 2011 and allow AB 540 students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including:

  • Fee Waivers
  • State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
  • Assistance from EOPS or CalWORKs
  • Institutionally-funded scholarships.

Dream Act Online Application (click here)

The Financial Aid Office offers California Dream Act Application Workshops. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at 805-378-1462 for additional information.