DREAM Loan details
- The DREAM Loan is a low-interest subsidized loan.
- The interest rate changes annually on July 1st of the new academic year.
- Interest will not accrue as long as you're enrolled at least half time at UC Merced.
- Once you graduate or are no longer enrolled at least half time, you will have a 6-month grace period before repayment begins.
Eligibility
- Undocumented AB 540 undergraduates who:
- Have financial need
- Are enrolled at least half-time at UC Merced
Obtaining a DREAM Loan
- Apply for financial aid by completing a CA Dream Act application every year.
- Accept the portion of the DREAM Loan you would like to borrow online through your UC Merced portal.
- The DREAM Loan promissory note requirement will be immediately added to checklist. However, the promissory note won’t be available to complete online until 7-10 business days later. ECSI (Educational Computer Systems Inc.) will notify you via email as soon as your promissory note is available to complete online.
- Be sure to use the SSN or ITIN listed on your UC Admissions Application completing any requirements for your DREAM Loan.
More Information
- Information about the DREAM Loan can be found at Heartland ECSI’s website. You can visit their website at https://www.heartlandecsi.com/
- You will complete your loan requirements on your ECSI account.
- You will make your payments through your ECSI account.
