Dream Loan


A college education is an investment in your future and student loans are a tool to help you finance it. A loan is money you can borrow and pay back with interest, therefore, it is important that you understand the terms and conditions prior to borrowing.

The California Dream Loan is a subsidized loan provided by The Regents of the University of California and the State of California to Dreamer students who demonstrate financial aid eligibility.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

  • File the California Dream Act Application https://dream.csac.ca.gov/.
  • You must file the application each year to continue to receive aid.
  • Submit any additional documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships by the deadline. 
  • Qualify for the non-resident fee exemption under the AB540 criteria.

California Dream Loan


Basic Eligibility Requirements
A California Dream Loan is provided by UC Irvine to students who are eligible to complete the California DREAM Application (CADAA) and qualify for the tuition exemption under AB 540. If you qualify, the loan will be part of your aid package.
Students who are eligible to complete a California Dream Application (CADAA), must apply annually.

Enrollment Requirements
At least half-time status (6 or more units)

Annual Loan Limits
Annual amounts depend on financial need and other aid received.

When does repayment start
6 months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment.

Interest Rates

For loans borrowed for 2022-23, 4.99% during repayment (this rate matches the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan); no additional loan fees.

Promissory Note
Heartland Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI) is the loan servicer. Once you accept the loan on “MyAid,” you will receive an email from Heartland ECSI providing instructions and a PIN on how to complete your promissory note and other loan documents.

Entrance Counseling
Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI) will provide you with instructions after you accept your loan.

Repayment 
-Standard Repayment: up to 10 years with a minimum of $50 a month payment

-Income Based Repayment (subject to lender approval at the start of repayment...contact ECSI at (888)549-3274): up to 20 years with a monthly payment amount generally equal to 10% of your discretionary income 
 

Other Requirements
Exit Counseling is required when you cease attendance in at least half-time enrollment. Your last quarter may precede graduating, transferring to another school, or taking a leave
Heartland Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI), the loan servicer, will contact you with instructions for completing your exit interview.

Before you borrow:
Check our student loan tools, become educated, and think carefully before you accept any loans. You are not required to accept this or any other loan to keep any awarded free money.

California Dream Loan FAQS


See what questions other students have asked about Dream Loans.

Do you need to schedule a phone appointment?


Hop on the QLESS to schedule a phone appointment.