Ibrahim Gardner
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a federal process that defers the removal of certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 and gives them temporary work permits. While DACA recipients can apply for college in most states, they face significant financial barriers as they are ineligible for federal aid. However, some states offer DACA students access to in-state tuition rates and state-based financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Additionally, private student loans may be an option, although they often require a cosigner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal Aid | DACA students do not qualify for federal aid |
| State Aid | DACA students may qualify for state aid depending on the state |
| In-state tuition | Many states offer in-state tuition rates for DACA students |
| Scholarships | DACA students may be eligible for scholarships, including those offered by local organizations and the Golden Door Scholarship |
| Private student loans | DACA students may qualify for private student loans with a cosigner |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- DACA students can't access federal aid, but some states offer support
- Scholarships and state aid are available for undocumented students
- DACA students may need a cosigner for private student loans
- In-state tuition rates are available for undocumented students in some states
- The CA Dream Act Application is unrelated to the federal DACA program
DACA students can't access federal aid, but some states offer support
DACA students face several challenges when it comes to accessing financial aid for college. While they can apply for college in most states, they are not eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants or federal student loans. This is because DACA students, who were brought to the US as children, are considered undocumented for the purposes of federal financial aid.
However, this does not mean that higher education is out of reach for DACA students. Many states have taken steps to support DACA recipients and other undocumented students in accessing higher education. As of March 3, 2025, Washington, D.C., and 24 states have policies that provide access to in-state tuition rates and some state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients. These policies vary by state and can include state-based financial aid programs, scholarships, and tuition exemptions.
For example, California has the CA Dream Act Application, which allows undocumented students and DACA recipients to apply for state financial aid. Virginia offers the Virginia Alternative State Aid application to determine eligibility for state need-based financial assistance for students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA, including undocumented students and those with DACA status. Maryland offers state scholarships and grants to eligible undocumented students, including the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant, which awards up to $18,000.
Additionally, DACA students can explore private scholarships, such as the Golden Door Scholarship, which provides funding for a four-year degree at partner schools in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina. Other scholarships include the Que Llueva Cafe Scholarship for undocumented students of Latin descent and the Students of Salaam (SOS) Immigrant Student Scholarship Fund, a $3,000 annual scholarship for undocumented students worldwide. DACA students may also qualify for private student loans, although they typically require a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen with good credit.
While DACA students face challenges in accessing federal financial aid, the support offered by certain states and private organizations helps to make higher education a more accessible dream.
PhD Students: Free Tuition or Fees?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Scholarships and state aid are available for undocumented students
While undocumented students are not eligible for federal student aid, they can still access scholarships and state aid to help fund their college education. Funding opportunities vary depending on state residence and immigration status.
Scholarships
Undocumented students can access a range of scholarships, some of which are specifically targeted at them, while others are more general and not restricted by citizenship. For example, TheDream.US offers scholarships for undocumented students who want to get a college education but cannot afford the cost. The Golden Door Scholarship is another example of a scholarship that provides funding for eligible undocumented students or students with DACA status to pursue a four-year degree at a partner school in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina.
Additionally, undocumented students should research local scholarships offered by places of worship, civic organizations, or colleges themselves. Many colleges offer institutional scholarships and grants that do not require students to be citizens or permanent residents. For instance, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per academic year to qualified applicants, regardless of their immigration or citizenship status.
State Aid
As of March 3, 2025, Washington, D.C., and 24 states have policies that provide access to in-state tuition and some state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients and undocumented students. For example, Virginia offers the Virginia Alternative State Aid application to determine eligibility for state need-based financial assistance for students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA, including undocumented students or those with DACA status. In Maryland, undocumented students can apply for state awards like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant, which awards up to $18,000.
California also has the CA Dream Act Application, which allows students interested in attending eligible California colleges, universities, and career education programs to apply for state financial aid, regardless of their DACA status.
Student Loan Prepayment: Avoid Interest by Paying Early
You may want to see also
Explore related products
DACA students may need a cosigner for private student loans
DACA students are not eligible for federal student loans or federal aid. However, they may be able to take out private student loans. Private student loans are offered by private lenders, such as banks, credit unions, and online lenders. These loans are different from federal loans in several ways. For instance, federal loans have fixed interest rates, while private loan interest rates are based on credit score, income, debt, and other factors. Additionally, federal loans do not require a credit check or a cosigner in most cases, but private loans typically do.
A cosigner is a responsible adult, often a US citizen or permanent resident, who signs the loan alongside the primary borrower and promises to pay back the loan if the borrower fails to do so. This provides the lender with extra assurance and can result in lower interest rates and better loan terms. While some lenders require a cosigner for DACA student loans, others offer cosigner-free options. For example, Earnest provides private student loans to DACA recipients without requiring a cosigner. Similarly, Ascent offers DACA student loans with or without a cosigner.
DACA recipients can also explore other financial assistance options for college. They may be eligible for scholarships, grants, and financial aid from their state or school. As of March 3, 2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C., provided access to in-state tuition and some state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients. Additionally, DACA students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for financial aid from their college or state.
Student Loans: Pre-tax Income Payments
You may want to see also
Explore related products
In-state tuition rates are available for undocumented students in some states
As of March 3, 2025, Washington, D.C., and 24 states have policies that provide access to in-state tuition rates and some state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients and undocumented students. These states include California, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Nevada, and Washington.
Four states provide in-state tuition to undocumented students at some but not all universities. Five states restrict in-state tuition eligibility to DACA recipients only. Eight states and Puerto Rico do not have known policies, and another ten states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students, prohibiting them from enrolling in all or some public colleges.
While undocumented students do not qualify for federal aid, they can still receive scholarships and state aid in some cases. For example, California's CA Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible colleges, universities, and career education programs in the state to apply for state financial aid, regardless of their immigration status. Similarly, Virginia offers the Virginia Alternative State Aid application to determine eligibility for state need-based financial assistance for students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA, including undocumented students or those with DACA status living in Virginia. In Maryland, undocumented students can apply for state awards like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant, which awards students up to $18,000.
Undocumented students should research local scholarships, including those offered by places of worship or civic organizations. Funding opportunities vary depending on state residence and immigration status.
Student Employees: Social Security Payments and You
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The CA Dream Act Application is unrelated to the federal DACA program
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is a financial aid application for students interested in attending eligible California colleges, universities, and career education programs. It is important to note that this application is entirely separate from the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
DACA, created by President Barack Obama in 2012, is a federal process that defers removal action by USCIS for a specified number of years. It protects undocumented immigrants, who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16, from deportation and gives them temporary work permits. Despite the name similarity, the CA Dream Act Application is unrelated to DACA.
Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, are not eligible for federal financial aid. However, they may be eligible for state aid and scholarships. The CA Dream Act Application allows eligible undocumented students in California to apply for state financial aid. This application process is separate from the federal FAFSA application.
The California Nonresident Tuition Exemption, known as AB 540, is part of the CA Dream Act. It exempts certain students from paying non-resident tuition, which is typically higher, and allows them to apply for California Dream Act financial aid. Students should check with their college's admissions office to verify their AB 540 eligibility.
In addition to state aid, undocumented students, including DACA recipients, can explore other scholarship opportunities. These include local scholarships offered by places of worship or civic organizations. Students should start their scholarship search early and continue applying throughout their college enrollment.
Student Athletes and Taxes: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
DACA students are not eligible for federal student aid, but they can still attend college by paying out of pocket or with the help of scholarships, state aid, or private student loans.
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is a federal process that defers removal action by USCIS for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US before the age of 16.
Some scholarships that DACA students can apply for include the Que Llueva Cafe Scholarship, the Students of Salaam (SOS) Immigrant Student Scholarship Fund, and the Golden Door Scholarship.
Yes, many states have made it easier for DACA students to secure in-state tuition rates. However, some states do not have a specific policy regarding this, and a few actively block access to in-state tuition for DACA students.
Some states that provide access to in-state tuition and state aid for DACA students include California, Maryland, Virginia, Nevada, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
