Douglas Olsen
In the United States, undocumented students face various challenges in pursuing higher education, including financial constraints and legal barriers. Maryland is one of the few states that offers inclusive in-state tuition rates and financial aid policies for undocumented students, allowing them to attend state colleges and universities at more affordable costs. However, despite this progress, certain limitations still exist, such as restrictions on professional licenses and work opportunities, which hinder undocumented students from fully benefiting from their credentials. This highlights the complex landscape of higher education access for undocumented individuals and the ongoing efforts to enhance equality and opportunity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can undocumented students get in-state tuition? | Yes, undocumented students can get in-state tuition in Maryland. |
| Requirements | Students must meet specific requirements and submit paperwork to the Office of Residency Reclassification. |
| Residency | Students must own or rent and continuously occupy living quarters in Maryland. |
| Maryland Dream Act | Undocumented students can qualify for a non-resident tuition differential at public colleges and universities upon meeting eligibility requirements and submitting required documentation. |
| Community College | Since 2019, undocumented students can attend community college tuition-free under Maryland's Community College Promise Scholarship Program. |
| Limitations | Undocumented students are barred from obtaining professional licenses in Maryland. |
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What You'll Learn
Undocumented students are initially classified as out-of-state
The University of Maryland, like most public institutions of higher education, classifies students as "in-state" and "out-of-state" for tuition purposes. Undocumented students are initially classified as out-of-state students and are charged higher tuition rates by default. However, undocumented students can apply for in-state status and certain state financial aid programs if they meet specific requirements and submit the necessary paperwork to the Office of Residency Reclassification. The process and eligibility criteria vary depending on individual circumstances.
To qualify for in-state tuition rates, undocumented students must have attended and graduated from a Maryland secondary school or received a GED, and register as a student in college no later than six years after graduating high school or receiving an equivalent diploma. They must also provide documentation that they or their parents/legal guardians have filed a Maryland income tax return for three years.
Undocumented students at the University of Maryland can seek support from the Financial Aid liaison working with undocumented and immigrant students, as well as from the ISSS staff, who value and support equal treatment for all students. Additionally, UMD offers merit scholarships to all qualified entering freshmen, including undocumented students, based on academic performance.
It is important to note that Maryland is classified as a Comprehensive Access state, offering inclusive in-state tuition and state financial aid policies for undocumented students. Maryland Senate Bills, such as S.B. 167 and S.B. 537, have been enacted to remove barriers for undocumented students and allow them to qualify for in-state tuition without having to first attend a community college. These legislative changes demonstrate Maryland's commitment to supporting undocumented students' access to public education.
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In-state tuition requirements
To qualify for in-state tuition rates at the University of Maryland, undocumented students must meet certain requirements and submit the necessary paperwork to the Office of Residency Reclassification. While the process and eligibility criteria can vary depending on individual circumstances, here are the general in-state tuition requirements for undocumented students in Maryland:
Maryland Dream Act:
Undocumented students who graduated from a Maryland high school can qualify for a non-resident tuition differential at public colleges and universities by meeting specific eligibility requirements and submitting required documentation. This includes providing a birth certificate translated into English if the original is in another language. The Maryland Dream Act also allows students, regardless of immigration status, to attend community college for free if their families meet certain income requirements.
Senate Bill S.B. 167:
Signed into law in 2011, this bill allows eligible undocumented students, including DACA recipients, to pay in-state tuition at Maryland's public colleges and universities if they first attend a community college.
Senate Bill S.B. 537:
Signed into law in 2019, this bill removed the requirement that students must first attend community college to qualify for in-state tuition. It also lifted the requirement that students must attend three years of high school in Maryland. To qualify for in-state tuition under this bill, undocumented students must meet the following conditions:
- Attended a public or nonpublic Maryland secondary school
- Graduated from a Maryland secondary school or received a GED
- Register for college no later than six years after graduating from high school or receiving an equivalent diploma
- Provide documentation that the student or their parent/legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return for the past three years
House Bill H.B. 262:
This bill extends eligibility for state financial aid to undocumented students, including DACA recipients, who meet the conditions for in-state tuition and submit the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA).
It is important to note that undocumented students at the University of Maryland are initially classified as out-of-state and charged higher tuition rates by default. They must take specific steps to adjust their status and qualify for in-state tuition rates. Additionally, while Maryland has made strides in providing access to higher education for undocumented students, barriers still exist, such as restrictions on obtaining professional licenses.
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State financial aid
In Maryland, undocumented students, including DACA recipients, can qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. This was made possible by the Maryland Dream Act, which was signed into law on May 10, 2011. To qualify for in-state tuition, undocumented students must meet certain conditions, such as having attended and graduated from a Maryland secondary school and registering as a student in college no later than six years after graduating from high school.
In terms of state financial aid, Maryland is classified as a Comprehensive Access state, which means it provides inclusive in-state tuition and state financial aid policies for undocumented students. The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) is available to applicants who are ineligible for federal aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The One App, as it is commonly referred to, allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants who qualify for in-state tuition to apply for various state financial aid grants and scholarships. These include the Educational Assistance Grant, the Guaranteed Access Grant, the Part-Time Grant, and the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, among others.
It is important to note that students applying for state financial aid through the One App are not required to have a Social Security Number. However, they must meet the non-resident exemption requirements as outlined in the MD Education Article to qualify for aid. The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) evaluates applications and notifies applicants if they are awarded a grant or scholarship.
Additionally, Maryland has policies in place that allow undocumented individuals to obtain occupational licenses and access to driver's licenses and state identification, regardless of their immigration status. These policies further contribute to the state's inclusive approach towards undocumented residents pursuing higher education.
In summary, Maryland offers both in-state tuition and state financial aid opportunities for undocumented students, including DACA recipients, creating pathways for their pursuit of higher education and subsequent contributions to the state's economy and workforce development.
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University resources for undocumented students
The University of Maryland has various resources to support undocumented students. The state of Maryland is classified as a Comprehensive Access state, offering inclusive in-state tuition and state financial aid policies for undocumented students.
DACA and Undocumented Student Resources
The University of Maryland provides DACA and undocumented student resources through its Intercultural Leadership and Engagement department. The department offers information on DACA application and renewal processes, as well as requirements for qualifying for in-state tuition as a DACA recipient. The department also provides information on the Maryland Dream Act, which allows undocumented students who attended a Maryland high school to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in the state.
The UndocuBlack Network
The UndocuBlack Network is a multi-generational network of currently and formerly undocumented Black people. It provides community, facilitates access to resources, and advocates for the transformation of the realities faced by undocumented Black individuals. The network offers resources to help navigate the graduate school application process and experience, including fellowship opportunities and advice from former and current undocumented graduate students.
Other Resources
The University of Maryland also offers additional resources for undocumented students, including the TerpLink platform and email support at
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Undocumented students' eligibility for scholarships
Undocumented students face many challenges when it comes to accessing higher education, particularly regarding tuition fees and scholarships. In the United States, undocumented students are not eligible for federal funding and have limited access to state aid. However, there are still ways for undocumented students to receive financial support for their studies.
In-State Tuition for Undocumented Students in Maryland
Maryland is classified as a Comprehensive Access state, offering inclusive in-state tuition and state financial aid policies for undocumented students. The Maryland Dream Act allows undocumented students who graduated from a Maryland high school to qualify for a non-resident tuition differential at public colleges and universities, including the University of Maryland, upon meeting certain eligibility requirements.
To qualify for in-state tuition in Maryland, undocumented students must meet the following conditions:
- Attended and graduated from a public or nonpublic Maryland secondary school
- Register as a student in college no later than 6 years after graduating from high school or receiving an equivalent diploma
- Provide documentation that the student, or their parent/legal guardian, has filed a Maryland income tax return for the past three years
Scholarships for Undocumented Students
While undocumented students cannot access federal funding, they may still be eligible for state funding and private scholarships. Many scholarships do not require proof of citizenship or immigration status, and some are specifically designed for undocumented students. Here are some examples of scholarships available to undocumented students:
- TheDream.US: Offers two scholarships for undocumented students with or without DACA or TPS who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and before November 1, 2019. The scholarship amount is up to $100,000 to cover tuition, fees, and on-campus housing and meals for a bachelor's degree. However, it is not available in all states, such as California and Washington, due to the availability of other state and institutional aid.
- Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois: A program offering tuition assistance to high school seniors and college students in Illinois who aspire to become teachers in Illinois schools-of-need.
- Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas: Provides awards to single parents residing in Benton, Carroll, Madison, or Washington counties in Arkansas. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and demonstrate financial need.
- Golden Door Scholars: Offers four-year tuition, room, and board at a Golden Door Scholars regional partner school for students with or without DACA status who live in states that do not offer in-state tuition to DREAMers.
Additionally, undocumented students with DACA status may qualify for various grants, scholarships, and college loans, depending on their financial need and other eligibility requirements. It is important for undocumented students to research their state's immigration laws and policies, as well as individual college scholarship opportunities, to identify the financial resources available to them.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, undocumented students can get in-state tuition at the University of Maryland. However, they are initially classified as out-of-state students and are charged higher tuition rates by default. To qualify for in-state tuition, they must meet specific requirements and submit the necessary paperwork to the Office of Residency Reclassification.
To qualify for in-state tuition, undocumented students must meet the following conditions:
- Attended and graduated from a public or nonpublic Maryland secondary school
- Register as a student no later than 6 years after graduating high school or receiving a GED
- Provide documentation that the student, parent, or legal guardian has filed a Maryland income tax return for the last three years
Yes, undocumented students who qualify for the Maryland Dream Act also qualify for Maryland state grants and scholarships. Additionally, since 2019, eligible undocumented students can attend community college tuition-free under the Community College Promise Scholarship Program.
