Janice Lozano
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students face unique challenges when it comes to paying for college. They are not eligible for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and government student loans, which are typically the largest sources of funding for college students. Additionally, some states restrict their access to in-state tuition rates and state financial aid. However, there are still options available for DACA students to finance their college education. These include scholarships, state aid in some states, payment plans, and alternative paths to a four-year degree, such as starting at a community college or enrolling part-time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal student aid | Not available for DACA students |
| State aid | Available in 24 states and Washington, D.C. |
| In-state tuition | Available in 25 states and Washington, D.C. |
| Scholarships | Available, including TheDream.US Scholarship and Golden Door Scholarship |
| Payment plans | Available at most schools |
| Part-time enrollment | Available as an alternative to full-time enrollment |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and state aid
DACA students face significant challenges when it comes to paying for college. They are not eligible for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and government student loans. Additionally, some states actively bar DACA recipients from accessing in-state tuition rates and state financial aid.
However, there are still options available for DACA students to help finance their college education. Firstly, scholarships can play a crucial role in funding a DACA student's college education. Private scholarships offered by non-profit organizations, individuals, foundations, and other sources may be open to DACA students, depending on the eligibility requirements. Additionally, certain states and colleges offer scholarships specifically for DACA students. For example, the Golden Door Scholarship provides funding for eligible DACA students pursuing a four-year degree in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina. The University of Arizona also has the President's Directed Scholarship Fund for DACA students. Local scholarships offered by places of worship or civic organizations are another avenue to explore.
State aid is another possibility for DACA students in certain states. As of March 2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C., provided access to in-state tuition rates and some state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients. For instance, Virginia offers the Virginia Alternative State Aid application to determine eligibility for state need-based financial assistance, including for undocumented students or those with DACA status. Maryland also offers state scholarships and grants for undocumented students, which DACA students may be eligible for. Arizona allows qualifying non-citizen high school graduates to receive in-state tuition at universities and community colleges, and they can be considered for non-federal institutional aid through the CSS Profile.
It is important to note that the availability of state aid and scholarships for DACA students varies from state to state, and it is recommended to research the specific policies and opportunities in the relevant state. Additionally, DACA students may also consider alternative paths to a four-year degree, such as starting at a community college with lower tuition costs or enrolling part-time while working to cover education expenses.
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Payment plans
DACA students face many challenges when it comes to paying for college. They are not eligible for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and government student loans. However, they can explore alternative sources of funding to make their college dreams a reality.
Most colleges and universities offer payment plans, allowing students to spread out the cost of tuition over time. These plans typically involve periodic payments according to a predetermined schedule set at the beginning of the semester. This option can provide much-needed flexibility for DACA students.
Additionally, DACA students may consider alternatives to the traditional four-year, full-time enrollment. They might opt to begin their academic journey at a community college, where in-state tuition is often significantly more affordable. After completing transferable coursework, they can transfer to a four-year college. Part-time enrollment is another option that enables students to work concurrently to finance their educational goals.
Scholarships and State Aid
DACA students can also explore scholarships and state aid to supplement their college funds. Nineteen states and the District of Columbia allow eligible undocumented students to access in-state tuition and some state aid or scholarships. Additionally, private scholarships offered by non-profit organizations, individuals, government agencies, foundations, and other sources may be available depending on eligibility requirements.
State-Specific Opportunities
Specific states have unique opportunities for DACA students:
- Arizona: Qualifying non-citizen high school graduates can receive in-state tuition at universities and community colleges. DACA students are eligible for the President's Directed Scholarship Fund and can use the Scholarship Universe (SU) tool to access millions of dollars in internal and external scholarships.
- Virginia: Offers the Virginia Alternative State Aid application to determine eligibility for state need-based financial assistance for those ineligible to complete the FAFSA, including undocumented students or those with DACA status.
- Maryland: Undocumented students can apply for state awards like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant, offering up to $18,000.
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State tuition rates
Four states offer in-state tuition to undocumented students at some but not all universities, and five states restrict in-state tuition eligibility to DACA recipients only. Eight states and Puerto Rico do not have known policies, and ten states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students, with three of these states prohibiting undocumented students from enrolling in all or some public colleges.
DACA students in Arizona can benefit from in-state tuition rates at Arizona universities and community colleges if they are qualifying non-citizen high school graduates. Similarly, DACA students in Virginia can apply for the Virginia Alternative State Aid, which offers state need-based financial assistance to students who are ineligible to complete the FAFSA. In Maryland, undocumented students can apply for state scholarships like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant.
DACA students should research the state tuition rates and policies of the specific states and colleges they are interested in, as these vary significantly.
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Private funding
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) recipients and other undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, including grants and work-study programs, or government student loans. However, they can benefit from private funding opportunities to help finance their college education. Here are some ways through which DACA students can secure private funding:
Private Scholarships:
Private scholarships are a significant source of funding for DACA students. Various organizations, such as non-profit organizations, individuals, government agencies, foundations, and university foundations, offer private scholarships with different eligibility requirements. Students can research and apply for scholarships that match their backgrounds and interests.
State Aid and Scholarships:
Some states provide access to in-state tuition and state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients. For example, Virginia offers the Virginia Alternative State Aid application to determine eligibility for state need-based financial assistance, and Maryland offers the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and other state scholarships.
Local Scholarships:
Undocumented students are encouraged to explore local scholarship opportunities, including those offered by places of worship, civic organizations, or community foundations. These scholarships can provide valuable financial support and are often less competitive than national scholarships.
Payment Plans:
Most colleges and universities offer payment plans that allow students to spread out the cost of tuition over time. DACA students can take advantage of these plans to make college more affordable by paying in instalments.
Alternative Education Paths:
DACA students may consider starting their higher education journey at community colleges, where in-state tuition is typically much lower. After completing transferable coursework, they can transfer to a four-year college. Additionally, part-time enrollment can provide an opportunity to work and pay for education costs simultaneously.
While DACA students face challenges in accessing federal financial aid, these private funding options can help make their college dreams a reality. It is important for students to stay informed about the latest policies, eligibility criteria, and funding opportunities in their respective states.
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Federal student aid
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students are undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US before the age of 16. While they are not eligible for federal student aid, they can still receive financial aid for college in some states.
DACA students may also be eligible for other forms of financial aid, such as state aid and scholarships. As of March 3, 2025, 24 states and Washington, D.C., provide access to in-state tuition and some state aid or scholarships for DACA recipients. For instance, 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. Maryland offers undocumented students state awards like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship and the Howard P. Rawlings Guaranteed Access Grant, which awards students up to $18,000.
Additionally, DACA students can explore national and local scholarships offered by civic organizations or places of worship. The Golden Door Scholarship, for instance, provides eligible undocumented students or students with DACA status funding for a four-year degree at a partner school in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina.
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Frequently asked questions
DACA students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they may be able to receive scholarships and state aid to pay for college. They can also consider payment plans, or alternatives to a four-year degree, such as starting at a community college and then transferring, or enrolling part-time and working to pay for education costs.
The Golden Door Scholarship provides eligible DACA students with funding for a four-year degree at a partner school in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina. The CA Dream Act Application allows DACA students to apply for state financial aid for eligible California colleges, universities, and career education programs. Additionally, DACA students can research local scholarships, including those offered by places of worship or civic organizations.
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. Some of these states include California, Maryland, New York, Virginia, and Nevada. However, it is important to note that policies may change, and students should check the most up-to-date information for their desired state or institution.
