Lori Meadows
Florida is one of the eighteen states that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at universities and colleges. However, a bill filed in the Florida Senate and a companion bill in the Florida House would bar undocumented students from attending some public universities and colleges in the state. This includes the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, and Florida State University, among others. The bill is expected to receive a vote in the upcoming legislative session. If passed, it will adversely affect the dreams of many undocumented students like Evelyn Rivera, who grew up in Florida and graduated from Seminole State College.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does the University of Florida accept undocumented students? | The University of Florida is among the Florida public universities and colleges that may ban undocumented students from enrolling, according to a bill filed in the Florida Senate and a companion bill in the Florida House. |
| What about other colleges in Florida? | Eighteen states, including Florida, allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates. Some private universities are willing to give scholarships and aid to undocumented students. |
| Are there any waivers or scholarships for undocumented students? | Undocumented students can apply for an out-of-state waiver to receive tuition fee pricing equivalent to in-state Florida residents. Scholarships are also available for undocumented students at colleges like Valencia College. |
| What are the challenges for undocumented students? | Undocumented students are not eligible for federal student aid. They face obstacles when pursuing higher education, and attending college does not guarantee a path to citizenship or permanent residency. |
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What You'll Learn
Florida in-state tuition rates for undocumented students
Florida previously allowed undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates. This was made possible by HB851, a bill signed into law in 2014 by Governor Rick Scott, which allowed undocumented students to be classified as non-Florida residents and receive tuition fee pricing equivalent to in-state residents. To qualify, undocumented students had to apply for an out-of-state fee waiver and meet specific eligibility criteria, including attending a secondary school in Florida for at least three consecutive years before graduation and enrolling in a Florida public institution of higher education within 24 months of graduating.
However, in February 2025, Florida repealed in-state tuition for undocumented students. Governor Ron DeSantis signed a series of immigration bills into law, including the repeal of waivers granting in-state tuition to undocumented students. This move has been criticised by some as intensifying a growing rift between the state's Republican lawmakers and Gov. DeSantis, who has indicated that he will veto the bill unless more restrictive immigration measures are approved.
The repeal of in-state tuition for undocumented students in Florida has left many scrambling to find ways to pay for the remainder of their credits and graduate before they have to pay much higher out-of-state tuition rates. Some are being helped to transfer to more affordable institutions, but for many, it is simply impossible to come up with the extra money. The end of in-state tuition for undocumented students in Florida has also raised questions about the potential financial impact on colleges, as some students may choose to pay the out-of-state fee while others may be forced to withdraw from school.
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Scholarships for undocumented students
While there is no federal or state law prohibiting the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges, there are challenges and considerations that undocumented students must navigate when pursuing higher education. Here are some insights and resources regarding scholarships specifically for undocumented students:
TheDream.US Scholarship
TheDream.US is the nation's largest college access and success program for DREAMers. Florida International University (FIU) is a partner college, and DREAMers can attend FIU using the National Scholarship funded by TheDream.US. To be eligible, undocumented students must demonstrate that they have attended a high school in Florida for three consecutive years, graduated from a Florida high school, and applied for enrollment in a state university or college system institution within 24 months of graduation. This scholarship provides a waiver of the out-of-state fee, but it is important to note that it does not grant eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, or loans from the university, state, or federal government, as defined by Florida Statutes.
State-Specific Considerations
Undocumented students are advised to consider institutions and states that are more accepting of their status. Eighteen states, including Florida, allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates, and these states may be more likely to have policies favourable to undocumented students. Online colleges and sanctuary campuses may also offer safer and more convenient options for undocumented students.
Private University Scholarships
Some private universities are willing to provide scholarships and aid to undocumented students. It is worth exploring private university options and reaching out to their admissions or financial aid offices to inquire about their policies and opportunities for undocumented students.
Immigration Law Professionals
Speaking with an immigration law professional can help undocumented students and their families navigate the complex landscape of resources and options available to them. They can provide valuable insights into specific state laws, such as HB851 in Florida, which allows certain undocumented students to receive an out-of-state waiver, resulting in tuition fee pricing equivalent to in-state residents.
In summary, while undocumented students face unique challenges in pursuing higher education, there are resources and scholarships available, particularly in states with more inclusive policies. Exploring partner colleges of programs like TheDream.US, considering in-state tuition rates, and seeking guidance from immigration law professionals can help undocumented students identify suitable scholarship opportunities.
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Undocumented students and federal student aid
Federal and state laws do not prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in U.S. colleges, public or private. However, undocumented students are not eligible for federal student aid. The 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) states that undocumented students are not eligible for any postsecondary education benefits based on state residency.
Despite this, undocumented students can still receive financial aid through state and institutional programs. For example, Florida law allows Florida International University to waive out-of-state fees for undocumented students who have attended a high school in Florida for three consecutive years and graduated from a Florida high school. Similarly, California has the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), which provides state and institutional financial aid to undocumented students.
Some private universities also offer scholarships and aid to undocumented students. It is recommended that undocumented students give preference to institutions and states that are more accepting of their undocumented status. Eighteen states, including Florida, allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates, and these states are more likely to have policies that favour undocumented students.
Online colleges are another option for undocumented students as they are typically more affordable and reduce the risk of encountering immigration enforcement. Sanctuary campuses are also considered safe spaces for undocumented students.
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Florida public universities and colleges banning undocumented students
Florida is one of the eighteen states that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public universities and colleges. Undocumented students in Florida can qualify for an out-of-state tuition waiver, which allows them to pay in-state tuition rates if they attended a Florida high school for three consecutive years before graduating and submit an official high school transcript. Additionally, they must apply for enrollment within 24 months of graduating high school. This waiver does not grant eligibility for financial aid, scholarships, or loans from the university, state, or federal government. However, undocumented students at certain colleges, such as Valencia College, may be eligible for state or college financial aid and scholarships.
Despite this, a bill filed in the Florida Senate and a companion bill in the Florida House, introduced by Senator Randy Fine, threaten to bar undocumented students from attending most Florida public universities and colleges. The bill specifically targets competitive schools that accept less than 85% of applicants, such as Seminole State College, the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, Florida A&M University, Florida International University, and Florida State University. The bill's justification is that undocumented students are taking seats away from American citizens. Critics argue that this legislation could lead to higher dropout rates among undocumented youth, as they may not have accessible and affordable options for pursuing higher education.
While the future of undocumented student access to Florida public universities and colleges remains uncertain, it is essential to note that no federal or state law prohibits the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges, public or private. The Supreme Court's 1982 Plyler v. Doe decision ensures that states must provide all students with K-12 public education, regardless of immigration status. However, this does not extend to higher education, and each state has its own policies regarding undocumented students' access to in-state tuition rates and financial aid.
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Sanctuary campuses for undocumented students
Sanctuary campuses are colleges and universities that welcome undocumented immigrant students and refuse to cooperate with federal detention requests related to them. The term is modelled after "sanctuary city", which refers to towns, cities, or counties that adopt similar policies. While there are no federal laws against sanctuary policies, at least 12 states have banned them.
The movement for sanctuary campuses gained momentum in response to President Donald Trump's planned immigration policies of mass deportations during his first term. Students, faculty members, and alumni across the country urged their colleges and universities to adopt sanctuary policies, with many staging demonstrations, walk-outs, and sit-ins.
As of 2025, at least eight colleges and universities have declared themselves sanctuary campuses, and many more have outlined policies to protect undocumented students. Examples of proposed policies on sanctuary campuses include:
- Not allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers onto campus without a warrant.
- Refusal of campus police to enforce immigration law.
- Not sharing student immigration status with ICE.
- Not gathering information on immigration or citizenship status.
- Providing tuition support, including in-state tuition rates at public universities to students with DACA status.
- Providing distance-learning options for deported students to complete their degrees.
Some universities that have declared themselves sanctuary campuses include Reed College, Wesleyan University, Columbia University, and California State University.
In terms of the University of Florida, it does not explicitly mention accepting undocumented students on its website. However, Florida law provides for a waiver of the out-of-state fee for undocumented students who meet certain requirements, such as attending a high school in Florida for three consecutive years and graduating from a Florida high school. Additionally, Florida is one of the 18 states that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates, indicating a more accepting attitude towards undocumented students.
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Frequently asked questions
The University of Florida is among the state's public universities that would be banned from accepting undocumented students if a bill filed in the Florida Senate becomes law.
Yes, some colleges in Florida, such as Valencia College and Seminole State College, currently accept undocumented students.
Eighteen states allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal student aid. However, they may be eligible for state or college financial aid.
