Overview
The California Dream Loan program provides undocumented undergraduate students (AB 540) with the option to borrow funds to cover the cost of attending UC San Diego.
Key Loan Details
- Interest Rate: Same interest rate as the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan.
- Note: Interest rates for the DREAM loan program will not change through the academic year you receive it. However, interest rates for future loans may be different.
- Award Amount: Students may be awarded up to $2,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $20,000.
- Subsidized Status: No interest accrues while you are enrolled at least half-time in an eligible institution.
- Repayment: Repayment begins six months after your full-time or half-time enrollment ends.
How to Borrow the California Dream Loan
To secure a loan, please follow these steps:
- File Your Application: Complete your California Dream Act Application and submit all requested documents before the established deadlines.
- Review Your Offer: UC San Diego determines eligibility. If offered, the loan will appear in the Selection column within the Manage Awards drawer of the Financial Aid and Scholarships Student Portal.
- Accept the Loan: If you accept the offer, you must complete additional requirements managed by Heartland ECSI.
- Completion: Once you complete all requirements, Heartland ECSI will notify UC San Diego within three to five business days.
- Disbursement: Loan funds will be credited directly to your UC San Diego student account.