Undocumented Students Welcome At Brown University?

Brown University welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds, including those who are undocumented or hold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. The university's Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income Student (U-FLi) Center provides a communal space for students who identify with the undocumented, first-generation college, and/or low-income student experience. The center offers holistic advising and leadership development support, as well as learning opportunities for the campus community to raise awareness about migration issues. Brown meets 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated financial need with scholarships and grants, and the same policy applies to undocumented and DACA students.

Brown University's application process

The application process is the same for undocumented students, who are defined as those with undocumented or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Brown University considers undocumented and DACA students as domestic applicants. The University has a need-blind admission policy for undocumented students, and will meet 100% of their demonstrated financial need.

The application fee is $75, but fee waivers are available for students who meet certain criteria, such as those enrolled in the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program or similar schemes.

The Early Decision deadline is 11:59 pm (applicant's local time) on November 1, and the Regular Decision deadline is 11:59 pm (applicant's local time) on January 3. All applicants, except U.S. military veterans and those applying to the Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE) program, should apply online via the Common Application.

Brown University seeks intelligent, highly motivated students from diverse backgrounds and cultural heritages, with a range of academic and extracurricular interests. The University does not have admission quotas for any category of applicant.

The average GPA at Brown University is 4.18, and the average SAT score is 1540. The University does not have a minimum GPA or SAT score requirement, but applicants with scores below the average have a very low chance of being admitted.

In addition to test scores, applicants should focus on extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendation. Brown University requires two letters of recommendation and does not require an interview.

Brown's undocumented student support services

Browns Undocumented Student Support Services

Brown University's Undocumented Student Program (USP) provides holistic advising and leadership development support for undocumented students. The program also offers learning opportunities for the campus community to elevate their knowledge on issues of migration. The USP was created in fall 2016 as an initiative of the U-FLi Center, propelled by student advocacy and interest led by the Brown Immigrant Rights Coalition (BIRC).

The U-FLi Center is a communal, learning, and advocacy center for members of the Brown community who identify with the undocumented, first-generation college, and/or low-income student experience. The center provides a dedicated space that affirms the intersectional identities and lived experiences of undergraduate and graduate students. It contributes to the well-being and success of U-FLi students at Brown University.

The U-FLi Center seeks to create alternative pathways for holistic student success through intentional relationship building, shared learning, and collective action towards economic and immigrant justice. The center develops programs and provides resources that support the holistic development of the U-FLi student community. It coordinates major programs, including the Kessler Scholars, the U-FLi Peer Counselor, and the Undocumented Student Programs.

The Brown Immigrant Rights Coalition (BIRC) is a recognized undergraduate student organization that serves as a community for students interested in immigration-related issues, including those who may be undocumented, DACAmented, or from mixed-status families.

Brown University's application process is holistic and contextual, and the university actively seeks applicants from diverse backgrounds. The university offers generous financial aid to support students from diverse backgrounds.

To connect with the USP, students can contact the staff of the U-FLi Center, join the Brown Immigrant Rights Coalition (BIRC), or stay up to date with the center's programs and activities by signing up for their listserv or following them on social media.

Brown's decision to consider undocumented students as domestic applicants

Brown University's decision to consider undocumented students as domestic applicants is a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in higher education. This decision, implemented in fall 2016, was propelled by student advocacy and the efforts of the Brown Immigrant Rights Coalition (BIRC). The university's commitment to supporting undocumented students extends beyond admissions, as it also provides resources and support services to ensure their success.

The Undocumented Student Program (USP) of the U-FLi Center plays a pivotal role in this regard. The center offers holistic advising and leadership development support for undocumented students, recognising the unique challenges they face due to federal, state, and local policies. By treating undocumented students as domestic applicants, Brown University ensures that their admission decisions are based on merit and potential, rather than immigration status. This approach aligns with the university's value for diversity and its commitment to creating a welcoming community for students from all backgrounds.

The U-FLi Center serves as a communal learning and advocacy hub for undocumented, first-generation college, and low-income students at Brown University. It provides a dedicated space that affirms the intersectional identities and lived experiences of these students, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. The center's programming and resources are designed to support the holistic development of its students, offering opportunities for academic, personal, and professional growth.

Furthermore, Brown University's admission process is holistic, considering multiple factors beyond standardised test scores and grades. The university values intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, and risk-taking among its students. By evaluating applicants based on their high school performance, preparedness, and potential to contribute to the Brown community, the university ensures that undocumented students have an equal opportunity to showcase their strengths and unique perspectives.

In addition to its commitment to admitting undocumented students, Brown University also meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need for these students. This comprehensive approach to supporting undocumented students demonstrates Brown University's dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable higher education environment, where all students can thrive and succeed, regardless of their documentation status.

Application requirements for undocumented students

Brown University welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds, including those who are undocumented or hold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. The university provides an Undocumented Student Program (USP) as part of its Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income Student (U-FLi) Center. The U-FLi Center is a communal, learning, and advocacy center for members of the Brown community who identify with the undocumented, first-generation college, and/or low-income student experience. The USP provides holistic advising and leadership development support for undocumented students at Brown University.

Undocumented students are reviewed in the same way as US citizens or permanent residents. Brown University meets 100% of every admitted student's demonstrated financial need with scholarship and grant aid. The university also considers undocumented and DACA students as domestic applicants.

To apply for financial aid as an undocumented or DACA first-year applicant, follow the instructions on the Brown University Financial Aid website. Students are required to submit financial aid applications by all published deadlines to be considered for scholarship assistance.

Undocumented students at Brown University are encouraged to explore the Open Curriculum and join any of the 500+ student organizations on campus. The U-FLi Center also hosts events throughout the year and collaborates with other centers to host intersectional programs.

Financial aid for undocumented students

Brown University has demonstrated a commitment to affordability and accessibility for students from all backgrounds, including those who are undocumented or hold DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status. The university has established various initiatives, such as the Undocumented Student Program (USP) and the Undocumented, First-Generation College, and Low-Income (U-FLi) Student Center, to support and advocate for undocumented students.

The U-FLi Center is a communal, learning, and advocacy hub for members of the Brown community who identify as undocumented, first-generation college students, or those with a low-income background. The center provides a dedicated space that affirms the intersectional identities and lived experiences of these students, contributing to their well-being and success at Brown University. It also offers holistic advising and leadership development support, as well as learning opportunities for the campus community to raise awareness about issues of migration.

In terms of financial aid, Brown University meets 100% of each admitted student's demonstrated financial need, including undocumented and DACA students. This is done through scholarship grants included in the university's financial aid packages, with no loans required. To be considered for financial aid, undocumented and DACA first-year applicants must submit all required financial aid application materials by the specified deadlines. These materials include the CSS Profile and income tax returns for the student and their parents.

It is important to note that Brown University reviews first-time, first-year undergraduate applicants who hold undocumented or DACA status and graduate from a U.S. high school in the same way as U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The university welcomes applications from students of diverse backgrounds and considers each applicant individually, taking into account any special circumstances. Additionally, if an undocumented or DACA student's status changes while at Brown, the components of their need-based offer may also change accordingly.

Frequently asked questions