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Apply for DREAM

College is possible for everyone, and there are now a variety of financial aid options available to help with the costs. The passage of the California Dream Act of 2011 extended eligibility for certain types of institutional and state aid to students who meet AB540 criteria but who are without a valid immigration status. Cal State San Marcos and the Office of Financial Aid are highly committed to the success of our Dream Act eligible students, and are proud of those who have been selected to join our campus.

As you consider the value of a CSUSM education, be sure to visit the California Student Aid Commission’s website, as it contains useful information on the available types of funding and resources that are available to you.

Students who are able to apply for financial aid through the Dream Act Application will have their eligibility reviewed for Cal Grants and State University Grants. In order to be considered for California State and CSU Financial Aid, you must do the following:

  • Complete the California Dream Act Application. To be considered for priority financial aid complete the application starting October 1, and submit by the priority deadline of March 2.
  • Complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification (the School Certified GPA must be received by CSAC no later than March 2).
  • Once admitted to CSUSM, students should complete and submit AB 540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) in order to begin a review of your eligibility under AB 540.
  • Students who received their Social Security Number through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA); should complete a CA Dream Application to be considered for financial aid.

The California Dream Act Application is available and completed online. When completing the application please make sure that you indicate you will be attending Cal State San Marcos when listing your schools of attendance; our school code is 030113. The California Dream Act Application requests data from income information from the prior year.  If you (or your parents) have not yet completed your taxes, you should report estimated figures. After your application has been processed you will have the opportunity to correct your estimates once tax returns have been filed.

California Dream Act Application

You will receive an email from the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office if additional documents are required. Read everything carefully and promptly respond to our requests. Check your MyCSUSM Student Center and review your "To Do" list. Complete your "To Do" list as soon as possible. Students must submit all documents by May 1 to be considered for priority funding.