The California Dream Act of 2011 allows students who meet AB540 criteria to apply for and receive certain state and institutional financial assistance programs.
California Dream Act
Apply for Financial Aid
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows eligible students who cannot complete the FAFSA to apply for California state and Stan State financial aid.
You do not need DACA status or a Social Security number to complete the CADAA.
Stan State School Code: 001157
California Dream Act FAQ
You only need to complete one financial aid application each year.
- FAFSA: For students who are eligible for federal financial aid.
- CADAA: For students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA but may qualify for California financial aid.
Not sure which application is right for you?
Find Out: FAFSA or CADAA
1. Complete Your CADAA
Submit the California Dream Act Application for the academic year you plan to attend Stan State.
Add Stan State (School Code: 001157) to your application so we receive your information.
2. Complete Your AB 540 Requirement
Dream Act students may need to meet AB 540 requirements to qualify for California financial aid.
Complete the AB 540 information requested on your CADAA and any additional requirements from Stan State.
3. Check MyStanState
After you submit your CADAA, keep an eye on your MyStanState Student Center.
Check your:
- To-Do List for requested documents
- Stan State email for important updates
- Financial Aid section for your aid status
If we request something from you, submit it as soon as possible to avoid delays.
4. Review Your Financial Aid Offer
Once your financial aid file is complete, we’ll review your eligibility.
When your financial aid offer is ready, you can view it in MyStanState.
Depending on your eligibility, Dream Act students may qualify for:
- Cal Grant
- State University Grant
- Middle Class Scholarship
- Stan State scholarships
- California Dream Loan
- Other California financial aid programs
Some programs have additional requirements or limited funding.
Have concerns about sharing your information?
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) states that information submitted on the CADAA is used to determine your eligibility for California financial aid and is not shared with the federal government or used for immigration enforcement.
Learn More About CADAA Privacy
1. Is CADAA the same as DACA?
No. CADAA and DACA are different.
CADAA is an application for California financial aid. DACA is a separate federal immigration program.
You do not need DACA status to complete the CADAA.
2. Do I need a Social Security number?
No. You do not need a Social Security number to complete the CADAA.
3. Do I need to apply every year?
Yes. Complete a new CADAA each academic year you want to receive financial aid.
4. What happens after I apply?
After Stan State receives your application, check your MyStanState To-Do List and Stan State email regularly.
We’ll let you know if we need anything else from you.
5. Do I have to be admitted before completing the CADAA?
No. You can complete your CADAA while your admission application is being processed.
6. Can Dream Act students apply for Stan State scholarships?
Yes! Dream Act students may be eligible for Stan State scholarships. Eligibility depends on the requirements of each scholarship.
Need Help?
We’re here to help
Contact the Stan State Financial Aid & Scholarship Office if you’re not sure which application to complete, need help with your CADAA, or have questions about your financial aid.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
Mary Stuart Rogers Building, Room 100
Phone: (209) 667-3336
Email: Financial_Aid@csustan.edu
Updated: September 02, 2026