Financial aid is a form of monetary assistance for students to attend college. Completing a financial aid application is usually the first step in seeking financial assistance for higher education and it is highly recommended to complete as soon as the application period opens in October to determine how much money you’re eligible to receive.

Students wanting to attend a college in California are eligible to apply for financial aid to pay for tuition regardless of their immigration status. 

Financial Aid Available for Undocumented Students

Undocumented students qualify for the following types of financial aid: 

• State-funded grants (including Cal Grants, State grants, UC Grants & the CA College Promise Grant).

• State programs such as EOPS

• MPC scholarships

• External scholarships (see scholarships on ImmigrantsRising)

Look at this document for a full list of types of CA State Financial Aid.

Which Application do I submit?: FAFSA vs. California Dream Act Application

There are two main applications that students can complete to receive financial aid. Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California DREAM Act Application (CADAA). Students should only complete one of the applications according to the following citizenship requirements:

1. You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are a:

   • US citizen

   • Permanent resident

   • Eligible non-citizen

   • T visa holder

2. You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you:

   • Are undocumented

   • Have a valid or expired DACA status

   • Are a U visa holder

   • Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

   • Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540

Learn how to Apply for the Correct Financial Aid in California.

California Dream Act

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is a state-based financial aid program that allows eligible undocumented students to apply for and receive state-based financial aid and institutional scholarships. Students only need to complete one CADAA application every academic year in order to be considered for financial aid programs that require a CADAA application.

Steps to Apply

1. Successfully meet AB540/AB200/SB68 eligibility

2. Apply for the CA Dream Act

   1. Download: California Dream Act Application Checklist

3. Apply for the Cal Grant

   1. Download: Cal Grant Checklist

Applying for the California Dream Act as a high school senior or transfer student is the only opportunity AB540 and undocumented students have to receive the Cal Grant. 

NonResident Exemption Requirements Under AB540

AB540 exempts students (including undocumented students) who meet eligibility requirements from out-of-state tuition fees. In 2017, AB540 was expanded through SB68 to include adult schools and CA Community Colleges (non-credit and credit classes) attendance and other graduation or degree requirements. 

Students must meet the requirements for Part One & Part Two

PART ONE: Time and Coursework Requirements (either A or B):

1. Attendance for three full-time years or the equivalent at any combination of the following:

1. California high school

2. California adult school

3. California community college (both credit and non-credit courses)
   ***Two years maximum for credit courses can apply toward requirement***

OR

1. Three years of California high school credits, along with three years of total attendance at a California elementary school, California secondary school, or any combination of the three. 

PART TWO: Degree or Unit Requirements (completion of any of the following):

1. Graduation from a California high school or the equivalent (GED, HiSET, TASC, CHSPE)

2. Attainment of an Associate degree from a California Community College

3. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements from a California Community College to a UC or CSU campus

If students meet the requirements above, they may submit the AB540 Nonresident Tuition Exemption Form:

• Complete AB540 form and submit with a copy of your official high school transcripts to the Admissions & Records Office at MPC.

  • Electronic copies can be emailed to: admissions@mpc.edu

  • Paper copies can be sent to:

Monterey Peninsula College

Attn: Admissions & Records

980 Fremont St

Monterey, CA 93940

Scholarships

Scholarships are money awards that you don’t have to pay back that can help cover educational expenses.

There are many scholarships available on and off campus that don’t require proof of citizenship or legal residency. Criteria can vary, but the common denominator is that a social security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency is not required to apply or receive the scholarship.

Click on the various links below to find out what additional materials may be required. Some opportunities require additional materials like a short essay or letter of recommendation, so we encourage you to avoid waiting until the last minute.

Available Scholarships

MPC 2021-2022 Scholarships

Immigrants Rising 2020 Undergraduate Scholarships

Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarship

DREAMer’s Roadmap App

Scholarships A-Z

TheDream.US

MALDEF Scholarships Resource Guide 2020-2021

10,000 Degrees

My Undocumented Life Scholarship List

Hispanic Education Endowment Fund

Personal Statements  

Although eligibility criteria for scholarships vary, some of them might ask you for a personal statement. A personal statement is arguably the most important part of a scholarship application - it is an essay about yourself. Donors and scholarship committees want to hear about your personal story, your dreams, and aspirations. It should focus on your strengths and your desire to pursue your personal and academic goals. Writing a personal statement might seem daunting and can take some time, but you can start brainstorming with this helpful guide.

Scholarship Questions? Contact Us

undocu@mpc.edu