One of the biggest challenges facing undocumented students is finding money to pay for college. Federal and state sources of financial aid are normally unavailable to you. Applying for federal or state aid using false identification or social security numbers can lead to serious legal problems and denial of citizenship later and should not be done. There is some good news, though.
Normally, an undocumented student would have to pay non-resident tuition and fees to attend state colleges and UC's. California has passed a aw called AB 540, however
This law allows you to pay the lower, residential tuition rate if you meet all of the following conditions:
- Attend a California high school for 3 or more years
- Graduate from a California high school or receive the equivalent, such as a GED
- Submit an affidavit (a written promise) to the California public college or university you are attending or plan to attend. In this statement you declare that you meet all AB 540 requirements and if you are undocumented, that you have filed an application to adjust your immigration status or will do so as soon as you are eligible to do so