Daca Students: Sharing Sars With Universities

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program that provides protection from deportation for immigrants who were brought to the US as children. While DACA recipients are still considered undocumented, they are eligible for employment authorization and can obtain a Social Security Number. However, they are not eligible for federal student aid programs and loans. DACA students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), but they cannot access federal aid. This report can be used to demonstrate financial need and apply for private, state, and institutional funding.

When it comes to college applications, DACA students should follow the same steps as undocumented students. They should fill out the domestic student application, select their country of citizenship, and leave the Social Security Number field blank unless they have been granted one through DACA.

Additionally, DACA students may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in certain states. They can also explore alternative sources of funding, such as private and foundation scholarships, payment plans, and working for a university.

DACA students are considered undocumented and must submit a Tuition Equity Affidavit or form

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students are considered undocumented and must submit a Tuition Equity Affidavit or form. This is because DACA students do not have valid immigration status in the U.S. and are therefore not eligible for federal financial aid.

Undocumented students can apply for admissions to universities but are required to submit the Tuition Equity Affidavit or form for their application to be processed. This is the case for Southern Oregon University and Oregon State University, for example.

Undocumented students are also not eligible for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant and federal student loans. However, as of June 2024, undocumented students qualified for state financial aid in 19 states, and this number is increasing. Vermont, for example, recently passed in-state tuition for undocumented students.

Additionally, DACA students who have been provided with a social security number can fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Although they can fill out the FAFSA and get an SAR, they still cannot access federal aid. Student Aid Reports (SAR) can be used to demonstrate need and can be used to apply for private, state, and institutional funding.

Furthermore, there are a variety of scholarships available for DACA and undocumented students. For example, TheDream.US is a good starting point for undocumented students who are exploring scholarship opportunities.

DACA students are ineligible for federal student aid programs

DACA students are not eligible for federal student aid programs, including federal student loans and grants. However, they can still apply for other forms of financial aid to help fund their college education.

State-Based Financial Aid

State-based financial aid is provided by the state of residence, rather than the federal government or a private organisation. This can come in the form of grants, tuition reductions, or scholarships, and can be both merit- and need-based. As of June 2024, 19 states offer state financial aid to undocumented students, and this can include free college.

In-State Tuition

Some states offer in-state tuition rates to DACA students, which is nearly half the cost of out-of-state rates. For example, in Colorado, DACA students who attended a Colorado high school for three years before graduating, were admitted to a college within 12 months of graduating high school, and received the Colorado Opportunity Fund, can qualify for in-state tuition.

Scholarships and Grants

DACA students may be eligible for scholarships and grants from colleges and universities, as well as from private companies and nonprofit organisations. For example, the University of Washington offers the Purple and Gold Scholarship to out-of-state Washington state students, including DACA students. There are also scholarships specifically designed for DACA students, such as TheDream US Opportunity Scholarship, which provides up to $80,000 to cover tuition, housing, and other fees for DACA students pursuing bachelor's degrees.

Private Student Loans

Although federal student loans are not an option, DACA students may be eligible for private student loans. Some lenders that offer loans to DACA students include Ascent Funding, Citizens Bank, Earnest, and MPOWER Financing. However, private student loans should be a last resort after exhausting other forms of financial aid, as they tend to have higher interest rates than federal student loans and lack flexible repayment options.

DACA students with a social security number can fill out FAFSA to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR)

DACA students are a subgroup of undocumented students who have received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. While they are not eligible for federal student aid, they can still fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) if they have been granted a social security number.

The FAFSA is used by universities to determine a student's financial need and eligibility for various programs. Although DACA students with a social security number can fill out the FAFSA, they still cannot access federal aid. However, they will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) which can be used to demonstrate financial need when applying for private, state, and institutional funding.

When filling out the FAFSA, DACA students should select "neither citizen nor eligible non-citizen" when answering the question "Are you a U.S. citizen?". Additionally, if a student's parents do not have social security numbers, the student can enter 000-00-0000 for this section and print out the signature page for their parents to sign and send in.

It is important to note that each state and university has its own policies regarding financial aid for DACA students. As of June 2024, 19 states offer state financial aid to undocumented students, and 25 states offer in-state tuition rates.

DACA students can apply for scholarships, but must check for a citizenship requirement

DACA students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they can apply for scholarships to fund their education. However, they must exercise caution and check for any citizenship requirements when applying for scholarships.

Undocumented students, including those with DACA status, face challenges in securing financial aid for their college education. While they cannot access federal funding, they can explore alternative sources of financial support. One option is to look for scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship. Many private scholarships fall into this category, providing DACA students with opportunities to pursue their educational goals.

Additionally, some states offer financial aid to undocumented students, including those with DACA status. As of June 2024, 19 states provided state financial aid to undocumented students, and 25 states offered in-state tuition rates. These opportunities vary by state, so it is essential to research the specific policies and scholarships available in your state.

When applying for scholarships, DACA students should carefully review the eligibility requirements and be mindful of any requests for citizenship or immigration status. Some scholarships may explicitly ask for specific statuses, such as DACA or AB 540, while others may not inquire about immigration status at all. It is crucial to be aware of your rights and the resources available to you.

• TheDream.Us National Scholarship: For immigrant students with or without DACA status, who qualify for in-state tuition at a partner college.
• Opportunity Scholarship: For students with or without DACA status living in states that do not offer in-state tuition to DREAMers.
• MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship: For DACA students accepted to or enrolled in a full-time college degree program.
• Oregon Community Leadership Scholarship: A four-year renewable scholarship for Oregon high school seniors who are emerging leaders, with no citizenship requirements.
• HACU Scholarship Program: For students enrolled or planning to enroll in a member school of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, including DACA students.

DACA students can apply for private student loans

DACA students face several challenges when it comes to financing their college education. They are not eligible for federal student aid programs, including federal student loans, and many states do not allow them to claim in-state tuition rates. Additionally, scholarships specific to DACA students may be harder to come by. However, DACA students can apply for private student loans to help fund their education.

Private Student Loans for DACA Students

Private lenders like Ascent, MPOWER, and Credible offer private student loans specifically for DACA students. These loans can be secured with or without a cosigner, depending on the lender and the borrower's qualifications.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for a DACA student loan, borrowers typically need to provide documentation of their DACA status, such as their I-797 Notice of Action approval or their Employment Authorization Card. They must also be enrolled or planning to enrol at an eligible school in the United States and meet other criteria, such as creditworthiness, income requirements, and school attendance level.

Benefits of Private Student Loans for DACA Students

Private student loans can help DACA students bridge the financial gap when other forms of aid are unavailable. These loans can cover up to 100% of the cost of attendance and other school-related expenses, providing much-needed support for DACA students pursuing their educational goals.

Considerations for DACA Students

It is important to note that private student loans typically come with higher interest rates and less favourable repayment terms than federal student loans. DACA students should carefully review the terms and conditions of any loan they consider and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best option for their situation.

Additional Financial Aid Options

In addition to private student loans, DACA students may also qualify for state financial aid in some states and institutional aid from their chosen college or university. They can also explore private scholarships, some of which are specifically designed for DACA students, such as those offered by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation.

While DACA students face unique challenges in financing their education, private student loans provide a viable option to help them achieve their academic goals. By exploring private loan options and combining them with other forms of financial aid, DACA students can make their dream of a college education a reality.

Frequently asked questions