One of the most common questions we hear is simple and urgent: Can undocumented students go to college?
Yes. Whether you’re documented or undocumented, you can pursue higher education—starting with community college and, if you choose, transferring to a CSU or UC.
Admissions vs. Tuition: Understanding the Difference
Admission Access:
- California Community Colleges are open access. If you are 18 or older, you can enroll.
- If you’re under 18 and still in high school, many colleges allow concurrent enrollment.
University Options:
If you meet admission criteria, you can enroll at CSU (23 campuses) or UC (10 campuses) regardless of immigration status.
The Key Difference Is Cost:
Public colleges and universities in California charge two types of fees:
- California resident fees
- Non-resident fees
At community colleges, for example, California residents pay $46 per unit. A 3-unit history class is about $150. With financial aid (such as the Promise Grant), that can be reduced to zero.
Non-residents pay significantly more—about $350 per unit—so that same 3-unit class can cost $1,050.
What Is AB 540? Your Pathway to Resident Tuition
AB 540 (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption) allows eligible undocumented students to be charged at the California resident rate rather than the non-resident rate.
Who qualifies?
You are typically considered an AB 540 student if you:
- Are undocumented (Dreamer) and
- Completed at least three years of schooling in California (any combination of middle school, high school, or community college) and
- Earned a California high school diploma or California GED.
What AB 540 does:
Moves you from the non-resident tuition category to the resident tuition category—the lowest fee level.
The Form You Need: California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption
To be classified under AB 540, submit the California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Form at your college.
Where to get it:
- Admissions & Records office
- Counseling office
- Through your TecoGuide profile (we provide a copy you can complete and submit)
What this achieves:
Once approved, you’re billed at resident rates (e.g., $46/unit at community colleges).
You become eligible to apply for additional cost-saving programs and services.
Financial Aid & Support Services You Can Access
After being classified at the resident fee level:
Promise Grant (Community College): If you meet income requirements, this can reduce your enrollment fees to $0.
Cal Grant (When Eligible): Additional state aid that can help cover tuition and related costs.
EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs and Services):
- Available on every California community college campus.
- Often provides priority (“priority zero”) registration, textbook assistance or loans, and specialized counseling.
- Staffed by professionals who understand the experiences and needs of undocumented and first-gen students.
Safe Spaces and Trusted Support on Campus
Be cautious about sharing your status. Not everyone you meet will be familiar with proper procedures—or as supportive as they should be.
Seek out trusted, knowledgeable communities such as:
- Raza Centers
- Hispanic/Latino Student Centers
These centers typically have staff who know the AB 540 process and can help ensure you aren’t overcharged and that you access all available support.
Step-by-Step: Getting to the Lowest Possible Cost
1. Apply to a California Community College (open access) or, if eligible, to a CSU/UC.
2. Complete and submit the California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption (AB 540) Form to your college.
3. Once classified at resident tuition, apply for the Promise Grant (community college).
4. Check eligibility and apply for Cal Grant where applicable.
5. Enroll in EOPS (community colleges) to access additional support: priority registration, textbook help, and counseling.
6. Use student resource centers (e.g., Raza/Latino centers) for guidance, community, and advocacy.
Plan your transfer if your goal is a CSU or UC—community college is a cost-effective starting point.
Why This Matters: Access, Affordability, and the Transfer Pathway
- You can go to college. Immigration status does not block admission to community colleges and does not prevent you from qualifying for CSU or UC if you meet academic criteria.
- AB 540 ensures you’re charged resident tuition—a crucial step in making college affordable.
- Promise Grants, Cal Grants, and EOPS can dramatically lower costs and provide academic and personal support.
Starting at a community college and transferring later is a proven pathway to a CSU or UC degree at a fraction of the cost.
Final Encouragement from Professor G
If you’re undocumented and wondering whether college is possible, the answer is absolutely—hell yeah, you can.
File the right forms, bring the right proof, and connect with the right people so you pay as little as possible and get the support you deserve.
