Paying for College

Undocumented students who are first-time freshmen, transfer, or graduates, may be eligible to pay in-state tuition by meeting the requirements for AB 540 (CA Non-Resident Tuition Exemption).

Learn how to qualify, apply, and access support by visiting our AB 540 information page.

Additional Resources

• AB 540 | Office of Admissions

• Cost of SJSU Tuition and Fees 

• Installment Payment Plan | Bursar's Office

• State and University Financial Aid: Undocumented students who qualify for AB 540 may be eligible to receive state and/or university aid by applying to the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA). Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to apply every year by the priority deadline. For further information about the CA Dream Act and how to apply, please visit our info page. 

• Scholarships: For many undocumented students, scholarships can be a key way to cover the cost of college tuition, fees, and other expenses — especially if they do not qualify for state or university aid. Scholarships are funds that do not require payback and that award students based on things such as area of study, class level, grades/GPA, community involvement, county of residence, etc. Many of these scholarships do not require a SSN# or AB 540 eligibility.  We encourage students to seek scholarship opportunities year-round since scholarships have different deadlines and requirements to apply. Check out our scholarship resources  to find scholarship opportunities right for you!

• Paid Fellowships: Many fellowship and internship opportunities provide a living allowance or scholarship to students that participate, regardless of their immigration status. Generally, fellowships focus on professional development over a short period, and are sponsored by specific organizations. Paid fellowships can also be found throughout institutions of higher education and they are a great path for undocuscholars to gain professional development experience while receiving funding. Visit our Professional Development Resources for Undocumented Students page to explore fellowship and internship programs open to undocumented students, many of which do not require work authorization.

Complete the CADAA if you are AB 540 eligible AND: Undocumented • DACA • TPS • U Visa Holder • Asylum Seeker • Spacial Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)

Complete the FAFSA if you are: US Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident • Asylee Granted • Refugee Granted • T-visa holder (or child of a T-visa holder) • VAWA 

• What's Needed to Complete your Financial Aid Application [pdf] - English PDF

• CA Dream Act Checklist - Immigrants Rising

• CADAA for Mixed-Status Families