Dream Loan

The California Dream Loan is a subsidized loan program specifically developed to assist the California Dream Act students, also known as an AB-540 student.  This loan is borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.  The loan is deferrable and does not accrue any interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time (6 Units).  The loan interest rate for the 2022-2023 academic year, it is 4.99%.

Repayment of the loan begins at the end of a 6 month grace period.  The grace period begins once you graduate, leave school, or enroll less than half-time (6 units).  The repayment of the loan will be scheduled over 10 years on a monthly basis and there is no penalty for early repayment.  CA Dream Loan borrowers have a standard repayment and income based repayment plan available. For more information visit heartland.ecsi.net. Under Download Forms search for California State University (Dream Loans).

• Undergraduate students who meet the award criteria and are determined to be eligible will be notified by the Financial Aid Office
• Undergraduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (6 units) for the Fall ’2022 term
• Filed a valid 2022-23 California Dream Application by the priority deadline, March 2, 2022.
•  Meet basic financial aid eligibility criteria, this includes meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards (view SAP policy information)  
• Have a valid California Dream Act application and a valid AB-540 affidavit on file with the Admissions Office at the time eligibility is determined
• Receipt of funds in one year does not guarantee availability or receipt of funds in subsequent years

Students will be notified by the Financial Aid Office by email if they are eligible for the loan.  The student must accept or decline the loan via their GET account and complete the 3 step Dream Loan process by November 14, 2022.  Upon acceptance of the loan, the student may reduce the loan amount.  However, once the loan is reduced, it cannot be increased.  If the student declines the loan, the loan may not be reinstated.  Once the loan is accepted, the student must complete the loan entrance counseling and promissory note with the Student Loan Services and Collections Office.  Failure to complete the 3 step Dream Loan process by November 14, 2022 deadline or once funds have been exhausted (whichever comes first), the loan may be rescinded.   Loans funds will only be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Students interested in borrowing their Dream Loan are required to complete the 3 Step Dream Loan Process listed below:

Step 1: Review all Dream Loan information on this website
Step 2: Accept Dream Loan Offer on GET
Step 3: Contact Student Loan Services and Collections Office to schedule an appointment to complete the Student Loan Entrance Interview Counseling Session and sign a Dream Loan Promissory Note. The due date to complete these requirements is November 14, 2022. Using your Cal State LA email, students can contact the following staff in the Student Loan Services and Collections Office to schedule an appointment:

• A-F: Lorena Albarran = [email protected]
• G-N: Blanca Gonzalez = [email protected]
• O-Z: Patricia Fernandez = [email protected]

Funding of the Dream Loan is subject to the California state annual budget approval process.  Funds have been appropriated for only the 2022-2023 academic year at this time.