Ibrahim Gardner
The application process for undocumented students in the United States varies depending on the institution's policies. Some colleges consider undocumented students as international students, which may result in higher tuition fees, limited financial aid opportunities, and different evaluation criteria for their applications. On the other hand, certain colleges treat undocumented students as domestic applicants, making them eligible for institutional financial aid. It is recommended that undocumented students consult with their high school counsellor or the financial aid office of their prospective college to understand their specific requirements and options for financial aid. Additionally, they should inquire about the impact of their immigration status on the application process and whether they are considered domestic or international applicants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application Process | Undocumented students should apply using the domestic student application and select "non-US Citizen" for their citizenship status. |
| Tuition Fees | Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid and are often treated as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees. |
| Financial Aid | Undocumented students are ineligible for most scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships due to legal work restrictions. However, some states and institutions offer financial aid and scholarships specifically for undocumented students. |
| Admission Requirements | Some institutions require proof of citizenship or legal residency, while others base admissions on a holistic review of academic and personal information. |
| Support | Some colleges have implemented "sanctuary policies" to support undocumented students, but these policies vary and may be symbolic. |
| State Policies | State policies vary, with some providing in-state tuition and financial aid access, while others actively blocking access or prohibiting enrollment for undocumented students. |
| Transfer Students | Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, along with the Tuition Equity Form. |
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What You'll Learn
- Some schools consider undocumented students as international students
- Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid
- Schools and organisations can award scholarships to undocumented students
- Undocumented students may be assessed as non-resident students
- Some public institutions accept undocumented students but treat them as foreign students
Some schools consider undocumented students as international students
While there is no federal or state law prohibiting the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges, institutional policies on admitting undocumented students vary. Some colleges and universities are undocumented student-friendly, while others are not financially or emotionally supportive of their undocumented students.
It is recommended that undocumented students check with their high school counselor or their college or career school’s financial aid office to see what types of financial aid they may be eligible for. They can also contact the admissions offices of their prospective colleges and universities to ask if they consider undocumented students as domestic or international applicants and how that might impact their admission and tuition.
Some states have declared that undocumented aliens are not eligible for in-state tuition, and ten states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students. However, 23 states and D.C. provide in-state tuition to undocumented students, with 18 of these and D.C. also providing access to state financial aid. Private institutions set their own financial aid policies, and some are willing to give scholarships and other aid to undocumented students.
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Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid
When applying for colleges and universities, undocumented students should ask whether they are considered domestic or international applicants, as this may impact their admission and tuition. If an institution considers undocumented students as international students, tuition fees may be higher, and competition for financial aid may be more intense.
Undocumented students are advised to research the policies and support offered by different institutions to ensure they choose a school that aligns with their needs and provides a comfortable and supportive environment. Tools like College Board can assist in identifying colleges and universities that may be a good fit for undocumented students.
It is worth noting that some states actively block access to in-state tuition or state financial aid for undocumented students, and a few states prohibit their enrolment in certain public colleges. On the other hand, some states provide in-state tuition and, in some cases, state financial aid or scholarships for undocumented students, including DACA recipients.
While undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, there may be alternative sources of financial support available through individual institutions and state policies. It is important to research and understand the options available to make informed decisions about higher education.
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Schools and organisations can award scholarships to undocumented students
The process of applying to college as an undocumented student can be challenging, as some schools are not financially or emotionally supportive of their undocumented students. However, schools and organizations can award scholarships to undocumented students, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden.
Firstly, it is important to note that undocumented students are not eligible for federal aid. However, some states and organizations have stepped up to provide financial support to undocumented students. For example, at least seventeen states allow non-native students to pay in-state tuition, and some even provide access to state financial aid or scholarships. Additionally, some schools may allow undocumented students to submit financial aid forms directly to the institution, bypassing the need to submit personal information to the federal government.
Secondly, there are specific scholarships available for undocumented students. For example, The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program provides tuition assistance to high school and college students who aspire to become teachers in Illinois schools. Similarly, TheDream.US is an organization that partners with colleges to offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. Other scholarships, like those offered by Get Schooled, do not require citizenship and are open to undocumented students. These scholarships often consider financial need, academic performance, and extracurricular involvement in their selection criteria.
Furthermore, undocumented students can also seek support from their high school counselors or college financial aid offices to explore additional options for financial aid and scholarships. Some colleges may offer merit-based scholarships that are not tied to federal funding, and it is worth staying updated on immigration policies and conducting research to identify these opportunities.
Lastly, undocumented students can also explore private scholarships, many of which do not require U.S. citizenship for eligibility. These scholarships often consider factors such as financial need, high GPAs, and leadership experience when selecting recipients.
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Undocumented students may be assessed as non-resident students
Undocumented students in the United States may face challenges when applying to colleges and universities due to their immigration status. While there is no federal or state law prohibiting their admission to U.S. colleges, institutional policies vary. Some colleges may require applicants to submit proof of citizenship or legal residency and deny admission to those without documentation.
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, and their access to state financial aid and in-state tuition varies by state. In some states, undocumented students are explicitly barred from receiving in-state tuition or state financial aid, while other states provide access to these benefits. Additionally, some colleges may consider undocumented students as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees and more competition for limited financial aid.
To address these challenges, undocumented students should carefully research the policies of prospective institutions. They can utilize resources like the Higher Ed Immigration Portal to learn about state policies regarding DACA and undocumented students. Additionally, they can contact the admissions offices of specific colleges to inquire about their policies towards undocumented applicants.
When applying to colleges, undocumented students may be required to submit additional documentation, such as a Tuition Equity Form, as seen in the case of Southern Oregon University. At SOU, undocumented students who do not meet the criteria for HB 2787 will be assessed as non-resident students and will be subject to non-resident tuition and fees. However, those who meet the requirements of HB 2787 may be assessed in-state tuition rates, but this does not change their residency status.
It is important for undocumented students to be aware of their rights and the resources available to them. They can seek guidance from high school counselors, college financial aid offices, and organizations like College Board, which provides information and support for undocumented students navigating the college application process.
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Some public institutions accept undocumented students but treat them as foreign students
While undocumented students may enrol at institutions of higher education in the United States, federal laws bar them from receiving financial aid. Additionally, some states have declared that undocumented students are not eligible for in-state tuition, making it difficult for many to enrol due to the high cost of out-of-state tuition.
However, there are some institutions that support undocumented students. For example, the Catholic University of America does not consider immigration status in its admissions decisions, and Southern Oregon University accepts undocumented students who apply as domestic students and select "non-US Citizen" for their citizenship status.
It is important for prospective students to research the policies of their chosen institutions regarding undocumented students, as these policies can vary greatly and impact their financial burden and overall experience on campus. Tools like College Board can help identify colleges and universities that may be a good fit.
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Frequently asked questions
An undocumented student is a student who lives in the country but doesn’t have documentation for legal residency in the United States.
Some schools consider undocumented students as international students when they apply. If you are considered an international student, tuition may be higher, you may be competing for more limited financial aid, your application may be evaluated differently, and you may have to prove how you will be paying for your tuition. However, there is no federal law against U.S. colleges and universities accepting undocumented students.
Undocumented students can’t receive federal financial aid for college, including grants and loans, nor are they eligible for any assistantships, fellowships, or scholarships that require work. However, some states have implemented policies that allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition rates or offer state-funded financial aid programs. Additionally, some private scholarships and institutional aid opportunities are designated for undocumented students. Schools can also award true scholarships as long as there is no associated service component.
You should do your research to make sure you will be comfortable and supported as an undocumented student on campus. Some schools are not financially or emotionally supportive of their undocumented students. You should also be aware that your undocumented status might limit your career options after you graduate. Research whether professional licenses are accessible to undocumented professionals in your state.
