Finance Cada

The CADAA, or California Aid Dream Act Application, is a financial aid application specifically for undocumented students and other students meeting AB 540 criteria in California. It allows eligible students to apply for state financial aid programs, including grants, fee waivers, and scholarships, to help fund their higher education.

Eligibility: The primary requirement for CADAA eligibility revolves around AB 540 status. AB 540 allows certain students, including undocumented students, to pay in-state tuition at California public colleges and universities if they meet specific requirements. These generally include attending a California high school for at least three years, graduating from a California high school or earning the equivalent (GED or HiSET), and registering or attending an accredited California college or university. Furthermore, students must sign an affidavit stating they will apply for legal residency as soon as they are eligible.

What Aid is Available? Through the CADAA, eligible students can access several key financial aid programs:

• Cal Grants: These are need-based grants awarded to eligible California residents who attend qualifying California colleges or universities. Cal Grants can significantly reduce tuition costs. There are different types of Cal Grants, including Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C, each with varying eligibility requirements and award amounts.
• California College Promise Grant (CCPG), formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver: This grant waives enrollment fees at California Community Colleges for eligible students.
• State University Grant (SUG): This grant helps cover tuition fees at California State University (CSU) campuses for eligible students.
• Middle Class Scholarship (MCS): This scholarship is available to students from middle-income families attending University of California (UC) and CSU campuses.
• Institutional Aid: Individual colleges and universities often have their own financial aid programs specifically for AB 540 students who have completed the CADAA.

Application Process: The CADAA application is available online through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website. It’s essential to complete the application accurately and by the deadline, which is typically in early March. The application requires information about the student’s income, assets (if any), and household information. While the CADAA does not ask for citizenship status, it requires information to determine AB 540 eligibility.

Why is the CADAA Important? The CADAA is crucial because it provides access to higher education for students who might otherwise be unable to afford it. By opening up financial aid opportunities, the CADAA contributes to greater equity and inclusion in California’s higher education system. It allows talented and deserving students, regardless of their immigration status, to pursue their educational goals and contribute to the state’s economy and society.

Important Considerations: While the CADAA provides significant financial assistance, it’s important to note that it does not provide federal financial aid. Undocumented students are generally not eligible for federal aid programs like Pell Grants and federal student loans. Therefore, the CADAA is the primary avenue for these students to receive financial support for college in California.

In conclusion, the CADAA plays a vital role in making higher education accessible to eligible AB 540 students in California. By providing access to state financial aid programs, it empowers these students to pursue their academic dreams and contribute to the state’s future.