Students at the CCLASS center

Important Updates

  • The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are now open. Visit our Apply web page for details and links.
  • The 2025-26 Continuing Undergraduate Scholarships application is open through January 8, 2025. Get started on your application today!

Apply for CADAA

Filing a California Dream Act Application

A variety of aid is available for all income levels. Whether or not you think you are eligible, we encourage you to apply for financial aid each year. Applying begins with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

To estimate financial aid for those considering UC Davis, the UC Davis Financial Aid Estimator can be used.

2025-26 CADAA

The 2025-26 CADAA will be available by December 1, 2024. The priority deadline is March 3, 2025.

CADAA Application Tips

  • File the CADAA by March 3 for priority consideration.
  • Upon successful completion of your financial aid application, you may receive a confirmation notice that your application has been properly submitted.
  • Include UC Davis School Code 001313 and a housing code on your application.
  • Immediately respond to any requests from Financial Aid and Scholarships.
  • Accuracy is important when you apply for financial aid. All information is subject to verification according to state regulations. False statements or misrepresentations may be cause for the reduction, cancellation, denial, or repayment of financial aid.
  • It is crucial to file the CADAA by the March 3 priority filing date.
  • If you filed a 2023 tax return, use information from your return to complete the 2025-26 application.
  • If you did not and are not required to file a 2023 tax return, use your financial information such as 2023 W-2s, or final pay stubs, and current bank statements.
  • Parents of dependent students will need to provide their income information and electronically sign the student's CADAA. StudentAid.gov can help you determine your dependency status, which applies to both federal and state financial aid applications.
  • For general information on financial aid at the University of California, view the Paying for UC video on YouTube.

Important Things to Remember

  • Apply early! Submit your application by the March 3, 2025, priority deadline for full aid consideration.
  • The opening date for the 2025-26 CADAA is December 1, 2024.
  • "Prior-Prior Year" allows students and their families to use income and tax information from one year earlier than previously required. This means that 2023 data will be used for 2025-26.
  • Include the UC Davis School Code: 001313.
  • Select the correct aid year on the CADAA when applying (i.e., 2025-26 for fall 2025 admission).
  • Keep copies of your tax returns and other documents in case they are needed.
  • For information on when you can expect your financial aid package, please visit our entering or continuing student web pages.
  • Reapply every year.

Common CADAA Mistakes

If the name, date of birth, and/or social security number you reported on the CADAA does not match the school record you will need to resolve the discrepancy before we can review your application and financial aid eligibility.

Action Required:
Compare the information you entered on the UC Application and CADAA to your social security number. Make sure they are an exact match.

What to Expect After Filing

  • Once completed, you will receive an email confirmation that you have successfully submitted your financial aid application. 
  • Log in to CADAA to view your Student Aid Report (SAR) or to check the status of your application.
  • The SAR provides you with a Student Aid Index (SAI). 
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships will use the SAI to determine the types of aid you may receive.
  • You can submit corrections to your application online through CADAA.
  • Students with a valid SAR will be directed to log in to MyAwards to view their personalized UC Davis aid package and requirements. 
  • First-year and transfer students can access their information shortly after receiving admission notification. 
  • Continuing students will receive an email when their aid is available – typically by late May.

Grants & Scholarships

Applying for Cal Grants

Continuing students: If you are already a Cal Grant recipient, there is no need to submit a GPA verification form. Your eligibility for Cal Grant is evaluated annually. You can verify your renewal through WebGrants4Students.

Students apply for a Cal Grant when they submit the CADAA. Cal Grant applicants are also required to submit a GPA Verification form directly to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 3 as part of the application process. Students can access the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form from the CSAC website. Be sure to select the appropriate form based on which application you filed.

CSAC determines eligibility and notifies the student by sending a California Aid Report (CAR). You can monitor and manage your Cal Grant account on the CSAC website.

Applying for Scholarships

Entering freshmen and transfer students apply for scholarships when they complete the UC Application for Admissions and Scholarships. Current UC Davis undergraduates can apply for scholarships by completing and submitting the Continuing Undergraduate Scholarship Application once it becomes available in October through the early January deadline. Detailed information about the application process is available at Undergraduate Scholarships.

Mural at the AB540 Center

AB540 and Undocumented Students

AB540 and undocumented students who qualify under AB540 criteria can apply for financial aid by submitting the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). For more information and resources, visit AB540 and Undocumented Students.

Questions About Applying?