Getting Started at Cuesta
Cuesta College and the Monarch Dream Center are here to help you complete you academic
and personal goals!
Enroll today to explore the possibilities!
Steps to successfully enrolling at Cuesta as an Undocumented Student.
Visit and complete the Admission Application as the first step towards becoming a student at Cuesta College.
Video Tutorial on how to apply to Cuesta!
Special Instructions
A Social Security Number is not needed to apply to take classes. Reporting a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual
Tax Payer Identification Number (ITIN) on the application is optional. If you have
received an SSN through DACA or you have an ITIN, you may report it.
Note: If you do not want to provide it, or do not have a SSN/ ITIN, check the box at the
bottom of the page labeled “Check this box if you do not have a Social Security Number or Taxpayer Identification
Number, or decline to provide one at this time.”
If you do not have a current valid immigration status (even if you have DACA), select “Other” from the drop-down menu and click the box labeled “No documents” on the Citizenship/Military section of the application.
If you are applying for the Summer or Fall terms before your high school graduation,
please indicate the date when you will be graduating and answer “yes” to “Did you receive your diploma, GED, or certificate in California” on the Education section of the application.
On the Education section of the application, if you will have attended 3 years or
more of high school before you graduate high school, select "yes” to “Have you attended high school in California for three or more years”.
Under California AB540/ AB 2000/ SB68:
Signing the the California Nonresident Exception Form (also known as the AB540 Exemption Form) allows eligible undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition (include Transcripts
or copy of GED Diploma).
Note: You will need your MyCuesta login information to fill out the form. Being "AB540" means that you are a student who is exempt from paying non-resident tuition fees.
A student must meet the following requirements to be exempt from paying non-resident tuition at all public colleges and universities in California
- Attend a California high school for three or more years or Graduate from a California high school or
- Receive the equivalent General Education Diploma (GED) (which equals 420 hours a year which is equivalent to a full time 12 credit hour student) and/ or
- Be an entering student, or be a current or enrolled student at a California Community College, California State University, or a University of California
Visit the Monarch Dream Center or Immigrants Rising's Submitting The AB 540/AB 2000/SB 68 Affidavit to learn more about AB 540/AB 2000/ SB 68.
Explore the Quick Guide to SB 68 from Immigrants Rising if you have more questions.
As an undocumented student in California, you qualify for state aid that does not have to be paid back!
If you qualify for AB540, you will automatically become eligible to apply for state aid through the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA or CA Dream Act). The CA Dream Act applications allows undocumented students to receive money to pay for classes and school materials!
- Apply for the CA Dream Act by the priority deadline of March 2nd and become eligible for institutional and state scholarships. (Must renew every year to stay eligible) and
- Apply for the Cuesta Promise to be eligible to receive up to 2 years of free college and/ or additional scholarships. (Must fill out a CADAA or FAFSA and renew every year to stay eligible)
Didn't apply for the CA Dream Act Application or the Cuesta Promise? Fill out the California College Promise Grant to have your enrollment fees waived. Note: This will not provide you with additional funding.
Please Note: Male CA Dream Act applicants are required to sign up for Selective Service. Fill out the Selective Service form to secure financial aid eligibility. You will need to print and mail the form in.
Mail your form to:
Selective Service System
P.O. Box 94739
Palatine, IL 60094-4739
If you have already mailed in the form and want to check your status visit the Selective Service System or call 888-655-1825.
Roadmap to Applying for the CA Dream Act (pdf)
CA Dream Act Checklist (pdf)
To receive live help, visit Financial Aid's Undocumented Student Support Services and Financial Aid's Zoom Lobby.
Scholarships and fellowships are also available through Immigrant's Rising for undocumented students seeking financial support from outside resources.
Completing the Online Orientation and the Abbreviated SEP (included within this orientation), your registration priority will be upgraded the NEXT WORKING DAY.
Additionally, students now receive Math & English placement results while completing the Online Orientation.
To receive live help, visit Admissions & Registration Zoom Lobby.
Make an appointment with a Counselor today for assistance in developing a Comphrensive Education Plan (CSEP). This will assist you in completing your academic and professional goals.
Counselors are also here to help you explore transferring to a four-year college.
To receive live help, visit Counseling's Zoom Lobby.
Register for classes through MyCuesta Student Portal. Explore Cuesta's Class Finder to find courses being offered this semester.
Need assistance registering for classes? Explore Enrollment's Step-by-Step form for instructions and their Video Tutorial on How to Register.
To receive live help, visit Enrollment Services (Admissions) Zoom Lobby.
After registering for classes, if you have a balance, students pay their student fees
via MyCuesta Student Portal. Although students are NOT dropped from classes for non-payment, a hold may be placed if balance is not paid
by end of the semester.
If you notice non-resident fees on your account, ensure that your AB540 forms have
been submitted and received.
Student fees can be paid with a debit/credit card through your MyCuesta Student Portal or in-person at the Cashier with cash/ check/ money order (Hours may vary during COVID-19).
To receive live help, visit Enrollment Services (Admissions) Zoom Lobby.
Have questions or are in need of resources?
Email Estella Vazquez, Coordinator of the Monarch Dream Center at evazquez@cuesta.edu or call (805) 546-3109 for an appointment and to learn about the resources available
to you as a Cuesta Student!
Reach out to learn about technology resources, textbooks and additional funding you
may be eligible to receive!