Undocumented Students: University Of Michigan's Admissions Policy Explained

The University of Michigan welcomes applications from undocumented students and those who receive benefits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The university provides a number of resources to support undocumented students, including financial aid and legal services. However, it is important to note that most financial aid requires recipients to be US citizens or eligible non-citizens, which excludes undocumented students from certain aid sources. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and has a non-discrimination policy that does not consider immigration status.

Application process for undocumented students

The University of Michigan welcomes applications from undocumented students and those who receive benefits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The university is committed to fostering an environment where each student can flourish, regardless of their immigration status.

The University of Michigan encourages undocumented students who are academically excellent and accomplished in extracurricular endeavors to apply. Here is a step-by-step guide to the application process for undocumented students:

• Visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website: First-year and transfer applicants should visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website to access detailed information about requirements, deadlines, transfer credits, and the selection process.
• Complete the Common Application: Applicants can fill out the Common Application, leaving the Social Security Number field blank if they do not have one.
• Indicate your citizenship status: On the Common App, select "DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status" for citizenship status if you are undocumented or receive DACA benefits.
• Application fee: Applicants facing extenuating circumstances may be eligible for a waiver of the $75 application fee. You can apply for a fee waiver within the U-M specific portion of the application by checking "Family Situation" or "Other."
• Financial aid: Most financial aid sources require recipients to be US citizens or eligible non-citizens. Undocumented and DACAmented students are generally ineligible for federal student aid. However, there is limited need-based financial aid available for undergraduate undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition at U-M. Contact the U-M Office of Financial Aid for assistance with the financial aid application process.
• In-state tuition: As an undocumented or DACA student, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates by demonstrating specific criteria. This includes attending an accredited Michigan high school for at least three years and either graduating from a Michigan high school or obtaining a Michigan General Educational Development High School Equivalency Certificate (GED). You must also have attended a Michigan middle or junior high school for the two years preceding high school and be commencing your education at the University of Michigan within 40 months of graduating from high school or receiving your GED. Complete the "Application for In-State Tuition on the Basis of Attendance" to establish eligibility.
• Support and resources: The University of Michigan provides various support services and resources for undocumented and DACAmented students, including mental health support through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and legal assistance through Student Legal Services (SLS).
• Contact information: For assistance with the application process as an undocumented or DACA student, you can contact Jody Gore in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at . For questions regarding financial aid, contact Krissy Bhaumik, Associate Director for Advising & Eligibility, at or call 734-763-6600. For residency-related inquiries, contact Janet Cruz, Assistant Registrar for Residency, at . For other questions, contact Hector Galvan, Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives Program Manager, at .

Application process for DACA students

The University of Michigan welcomes applications from undocumented students and those who receive benefits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Rackham Graduate School is taking steps to create a clear path for prospective students to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan, regardless of their immigration status.

Undergraduate Students

First-year applicants and transfer applicants should visit the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website for details about requirements and deadlines, AP/IB or transfer credit, the selection process, and more.

Undocumented applicants and those with DACA benefits should complete the Common Application. If you do not have a Social Security Number, leave that field blank. On the Common App, select “DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status” for citizenship status.

Applicants with extenuating circumstances may be eligible for a waiver of the $75 application fee. You can apply for a fee waiver by going to the U-M specific portion of the application and checking "Family Situation" or "Other."

Graduate Students

To apply to a Rackham graduate program, complete the Rackham application on ApplyWeb. Applicants who are undocumented or have DACA benefits should select the following options:

• Citizenship status: Select “Non-U.S. Citizen”
• Visa type: Leave this section blank; do not enter a visa type
• Personal statement: If you have, will have, or are applying for DACA, mention this in your personal statement to determine eligibility for the Rackham Merit Fellowship. If you are undocumented without DACA, you are not eligible for this fellowship.

Support and Resources for DACA and Undocumented Students

The University of Michigan provides a number of free and accessible resources to support enrolled DACA and undocumented students. Student Legal Services (SLS) is a full-service law office within U-M Student Life that serves all members of the enrolled student body. SLS is committed to helping protect the rights of DACA and undocumented students to have an inclusive and safe education at the University of Michigan.

Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a division of U-M Student Life with a mission to foster the psychological development and emotional well-being of enrolled students through counselling and psychotherapy, preventive and educational programming, consultation, and outreach. The CAPS team includes permanent staff members who identify as Latinx, as well as staff members who can provide therapy in various languages.

Financial Aid for DACA and Undocumented Students

Most financial aid, including federal, state, and other institutional aid sources, requires recipients to be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens. Undocumented and DACA-mented students are ineligible to receive federal student aid and other aid sources that use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.

There is limited need-based financial aid for undergraduate undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition at U-M. To learn about the financial aid application and eligibility process, contact Krissy Bhaumik, associate director for advising & eligibility in the Office of Financial Aid at undocumented@umich.edu. You may also call the office during business hours at 734-763-6600.

Residency and Tuition Rates for DACA and Undocumented Students

As a DACA or undocumented student, in-state residency guidelines apply. You may qualify for in-state tuition rates at the University of Michigan by demonstrating the following:

• You attended an accredited Michigan high school for at least three years and thereafter (a) graduated from an accredited Michigan High School or (b) received a Michigan General Educational Development High School Equivalency Certificate (GED)
• You attended an accredited Michigan middle or junior high school for the two years preceding high school
• You are commencing your education at the University of Michigan within 40 months of graduating from the Michigan high school or receiving your GED

Financial aid for undocumented students

The University of Michigan welcomes applications from undocumented students and those who receive benefits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The university is committed to fostering an environment where each student can flourish and has resources available to help undocumented students find and receive financial aid.

Financial Aid and Assistance

Most financial aid, including federal, state, and many institutional sources, requires recipients to be US citizens or eligible non-citizens. Undocumented students are ineligible for federal student aid and other aid sources that use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility. However, there is limited University of Michigan need-based financial aid for undergraduate undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition. The university is committed to continuing its need-based grant funding for undocumented students.

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

The University of Michigan provides a list of scholarships for undocumented and DACA students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. These scholarships do not require students to be US citizens or residents. Here is a list of scholarships provided by the university:

• Golden Door Scholars
• MALDEF for Law Students
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
• Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
• PRSA Foundation Scholarships
• Public Relations Student Society of America Scholarships
• Radio Television Digital News Association Scholarships
• Sibling Rivalry Press – Undocupoets Fellowship
• United Methodist GBHEM Scholarships
• BMI Student Composer Award
• LMSA National Scholarship for US Medical Students
• Que Llueva Cafe Scholarship (Chicano Organizing and Research in Education)
• The American Nuclear Society Scholarship Program
• The Vegetarian Resource Group
• Because College is Expensive Scholarship
• Becca Closet Scholarships
• Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
• Human Education Network: A Voice for Animals High School Essay Contest
• Leonard M. Perryman Communications Scholarship for Racial Ethnic Minority Students
• LULAC National Scholarship Fund
• National Precast Concrete Association Foundation (NPCA) Foundation Scholarships

Additional Support and Resources

The University of Michigan provides additional support and resources for enrolled DACA and undocumented students. Student Legal Services (SLS) is a full-service law office that serves all members of the enrolled student body and is committed to helping protect the rights of DACA and undocumented students to have an inclusive and safe education. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a confidential resource for mental health support. The CAPS team includes permanent staff members who identify as Latinx and staff members who can provide therapy in various languages.

Tuition costs for undocumented students

The University of Michigan welcomes applications from undocumented students and those who receive benefits under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. However, as federal law currently stands, undocumented students are ineligible for federal student aid and other aid sources that use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility.

There is limited University of Michigan need-based financial aid for undergraduate undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition. To qualify for in-state tuition, undocumented students must demonstrate the following:

• Attendance at an accredited Michigan high school for at least three years, followed by either:
• Graduation from an accredited Michigan high school
• Receipt of a Michigan General Educational Development High School Equivalency Certificate (GED)
• Attendance at an accredited Michigan middle or junior high school for the two years preceding high school
• Commencement of education at the University of Michigan within 40 months of graduating from high school or receiving a GED

To establish eligibility, students must accurately complete the Application for In-State Tuition on the Basis of Attendance. The University of Michigan also provides a number of free and accessible resources to support enrolled DACA and undocumented students, including Student Legal Services (SLS) and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

In addition, there are several online resources for undocumented students considering college that offer scholarship assistance, including:

• Immigrants Rising Scholarships
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities travel award
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund
• MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund)
• Minnesota Office of Higher Education

Support services for undocumented students

The University of Michigan provides a range of support services for undocumented students to ensure they have a positive experience at the university. The university is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students, regardless of their immigration status, and has various resources in place to support undocumented students.

One key initiative is the SuccessConnects program, which aims to enhance community inclusion, scholarship, and leadership success for undocumented students. The Student Community of Progressive Empowerment (SCOPE) is a student-led organisation that specifically supports undocumented and DACAmented students, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

The university also offers assistance with financial aid applications and provides information on scholarship opportunities. While most federal and state financial aid is restricted to US citizens or eligible non-citizens, the university does offer limited need-based financial aid for undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition. The Office of Financial Aid can be contacted for guidance on the application process and exploring alternative funding sources.

Additionally, the university provides mental health support through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), a confidential resource that promotes the psychological well-being of enrolled students. CAPS includes Latinx-identifying staff members and therapists who can provide services in multiple languages.

For legal support, undocumented students can turn to Student Legal Services (SLS), a division of U-M Student Life, which helps protect the rights of undocumented students to receive an education free from discrimination. SLS offers a 1.5-hour consultation with an attorney at no cost to the student.

The university also maintains a list of immigration specialists who can provide further legal assistance. Overall, the University of Michigan is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for undocumented students, ensuring they have access to the resources and assistance needed to succeed in their academic pursuits.

Frequently asked questions