Where can a college student seek financial and legal assistance?

Undocumented students and students from mixed-status families who need legal and financial assistance can seek help at both Chico State and Butte College.

graphic by Patrice Berry

Find out whether you qualify for in-state tuition (see information below on the DREAM Act application.) Some undocumented students who attended a California high school qualify for both in-state tuition and state financial aid. The priority deadline is March 2, 2026.

At Butte College

At the Butte College UndocuCenter, students from mixed-status families can obtain assistance with financial aid by calling Student Success Specialist Brenda Rodriguez at 530-895-2817. Butte College offers:

  • Help in obtaining a designated academic counselor;
  • Assistance with the California DREAM Act application. The California DREAM Act application can be found here. A Dream Application should be submitted by March 2 and could help determine eligibility for state financial aid.
  • Help in hunting down available scholarship opportunities. A list from Immigrants Rising is here.
  • Access to free immigration legal services. Schedule a consultation here.

At Chico State

  • The Chico State Dream Center offers support to undocumented students and students from mixed-status families. Call 530-898-5818.
  • Seek free consultation with the immigration legal services provider Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) through the Dream Center. CHIRLA appointments are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Chico State students, faculty, staff, their immediate family members and recent alumni are eligible. At this time, appointments are virtual.
  • Visit the Immigration Information and Resources page, which provides the Know Your Rights Red Card that lists constitutional rights. Red Cards are also available at the Dream Center and the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
  • The Dream Center offers assistance with the California DREAM Act Application. “A Dream Application must be submitted by March 2 of every year to determine eligibility for state and institutional aid,” the Dream Center says.
  • Find out whether you qualify for in-state tuition under AB 540. Community college students have until Sept. 2, 2026. Nevertheless, the California Student Aid Commission advises submitting applications even if a deadline has passed –ChicoSol staff.