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California Dream Loan

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The California Dream Loan is a subsidized loan program for undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential students with a valid California Dream Act application and a valid AB540 affidavit on file with California State University, Fullerton. The purpose of the program is to grant access to additional forms of funding to help CADAA applicants afford a public education. Please contact us if you are interested in applying for a Dream Loan.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. Have a valid California Dream Act Application (CADAA); priority given to those that filed by March 3, 2025
  2. Must have a valid AB540 affidavit
  3. Must be enrolled in 6 units or more
  4. Demonstrate Financial Need
  5. Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress
  6. Cannot be in default on a student loan

Recipients of this funds in one year does not guarantee awards in subsequent years, due to funding limitation

 

Annual Aggregates
Dream Loan Limits Amount
Dream Loan Max Yearly Award $4,000
Dream Loan Aggregate Limits $40,000

Current Interest Rates

Interest Rates
Award Period Interest Rates
July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022 3.73%
July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023 4.99%
July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 5.50%
July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 6.53%

The interest rate for the California Dream Loan corresponds with the interest rate on Federal Direct Subsidized loans and is subject to change annually. The California Dream Loan does not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time, during the periods of approved deferment, and during the 6-months grace period before you enter repayment. You will be responsible for the interest charged at all other times. Interest rates are subject to change. 

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Steps to Receive the Dream Loan

Accepting the Dream Loan

To accept your California Dream Loan, you must log in to your student portal and accept the loan offer by your assigned deadline. You may decline the loan offer or accept less than what is offered to you, but funds are limited and you may not be able to increase your loan at a later time.

Students who accept the California Dream loan must complete a promissory note and entrance counseling yearly.
If you fail to complete all the required steps to receive your loan funds by the assigned deadline, your loan may be canceled. Funds are limited and you may not be awarded the funds again at a later date.

Requirement: Complete the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling 
The Master Promissory Note requires References, and these references cannot share the same address. 
Once you accept your loan, the loan entrance counseling requirement and the master promissory note will be posted on your Student Portal as "to do" items. You will receive an email from ECSI with instructions for completing these items. Once we receive confirmation that you have completed them, they will be removed from your "to do" list.

How to Complete the Dream Loan MPN and Counseling | ECSI Login Instructions

Required Information

  1. CWID
  2. Date of Birth
  3. Name
  4. Pin Number (Generated by ECSI)

Login Instructions

  1. Go to the ECSI Log In Website
  2. Click 'Get Started'
  3. On the screen it will be ask for SSN (use your CWID in place of the SSN), First Name, Last Name, Date Birth
  4. Click Submit
  5. Click Authenticate Me
  6. Enter your ECSI PIN

Retrieving ECSI PIN

  1. Enter Name in the Required Field
  2. Last four Account Number (Last 4 digits of your CWID number)
  3. Enter your Date of Birth
  4. Enter your Zip Code
  5. Submit

Once you log in, complete the required field. The counseling requirement requires you to provide two references. Your references may not use the same address. Each reference must have their own address.

Repayment

You begin repaying your loan at the end of a 6-month grace period. The grace period begins once you graduate, leave school, or enroll in less than half-time.

California Dream Loans are set-up to be repaid in monthly installments over a 10-year period and have a minimum payment of $50 a month. You can pay off your loan earlier without penalty.

For Assistance Contact ECSI

If you are unable to receive your PIN/Password, please contact ECSI at 1-888-549-3274, before attempting to continue.

If you received a disbursement for a Dream Loan(s), here's whom to contact for repayment information:

  • Contact the ECSI - Dream Loan - Servicer at 1-866-313-3797. 
  • Or go to ECSI.
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