DREAM Loan

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

  • AB 540-eligible CA Dream Act filers who:
    • Have financial need
    • Are enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program 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.