Savanna Hoffman
Undocumented students face several challenges when it comes to paying for college. They are ineligible for federal financial aid and loans, and in many states, they are also unable to access state financial aid. Some states even block their access to in-state tuition rates or public colleges altogether. However, there are still options available to help them fund their education. These include scholarships, state aid in some cases, and financial aid directly from their college or university, especially if it is a private institution. Private colleges, primarily funded by non-government aid, may be more likely to offer need-based financial aid. Additionally, some colleges have support centers dedicated to helping undocumented students find resources. While undocumented students may face legal and financial barriers to higher education, there is no federal or state law prohibiting their admission to U.S. colleges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal financial aid | Not available |
| State financial aid | Available in some states |
| DACA | Provides protection from deportation and gives temporary work permits to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. before the age of 16 |
| State tuition fees | Four states provide in-state tuition to undocumented students at some universities, five restrict in-state tuition eligibility to DACA recipients only, and ten states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students |
| Institutional scholarships and grants | Available at some colleges regardless of immigration or citizenship status |
| Private scholarships | Available in some cases |
| Private colleges | Easier for undocumented students to obtain need-based financial aid |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships and state aid
While undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are still options to help them pay for college, including scholarships and state aid in some cases. Funding opportunities vary depending on state residence and immigration status. For instance, some states have passed laws that permit undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates under certain conditions. However, many state institutions charge undocumented students out-of-state tuition fees, even if the student has been a longtime resident of the state. This can put college out of their financial reach.
In addition to national scholarships, undocumented students should also research local scholarships, including those offered by places of worship or civic organizations. Many colleges do not require a student to be a citizen or permanent resident to qualify for institutional scholarships and grants. For example, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers qualified applicants – regardless of their immigration or citizenship status – merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per academic year.
Students who demonstrate the need for tuition assistance are often able to receive funds from a variety of sources, including state governments, colleges and universities, and private organizations. Students can often get financial aid directly from their college or university, particularly if they are attending a private institution. Private colleges are primarily funded by non-government aid, so it is sometimes easier for undocumented students to obtain need-based financial aid that lowers their tuition rate.
Undocumented students with questions about the financial aid process can contact their high school counselor or a college's financial aid office. Some colleges also have student support centres that help any student, including undocumented students, find resources within their institutions and locally.
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Private colleges
As federal aid is not available for undocumented students, they often face legal and practical barriers when it comes to pursuing higher education. However, there are still options to help them pay for college, including scholarships and state aid in some cases.
Undocumented students can also pursue scholarships from certain states, nonprofits, and other organizations. For example, TheDream.US has two scholarships: the National Scholarship, which provides up to $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor's degree, and the Golden Door Scholarship, which provides funding for a four-year degree at a partner school in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina. There are also scholarships geared specifically towards undocumented, first-generation, low-income, or other high-need students. Many scholarships allow undocumented students to apply, but they should be sure to check the requirements.
In some states, undocumented immigrants can pay in-state tuition rates for college if they graduated from in-state public schools and commit to applying for citizenship. However, policies vary by state and institution, and some states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students. Some states offer financial aid to undocumented students, while others do not. Students can find out if undocumented students qualify for state financial aid by visiting the University Leaders for Educational Access and Diversity (uLEAD) Network.
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DACA and state policies
DACA, or the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, was established by President Barack Obama in 2012 to protect undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as minors from deportation and provide them with temporary work permits. While DACA does not offer a path to citizenship, it has helped shield thousands of undocumented students from deportation and allowed them to pursue higher education.
However, DACA has faced numerous legal challenges, and under the Trump administration, new applications were halted while renewals continued for existing recipients. As of 2025, less than half of the undocumented students enrolled in higher education benefit from DACA, and no undocumented high school graduates will be eligible for DACA under the current rules.
State policies play a crucial role in determining the accessibility of higher education for undocumented students, including DACA recipients. Four states offer in-state tuition to undocumented students at select universities, while five states restrict this benefit to DACA recipients only. Unfortunately, ten states actively prevent undocumented students from accessing in-state tuition, and three of these states prohibit their enrollment in public colleges altogether.
Despite these challenges, some states and universities have implemented supportive policies. Eight states and Puerto Rico have unknown policies, leaving room for potential access. Additionally, some colleges provide institutional scholarships and grants regardless of immigration status, and private colleges, primarily funded by non-government aid, may offer better opportunities for need-based financial aid.
Undocumented students should research their state and college policies, as they vary significantly. While federal aid is generally unavailable, some states provide financial aid or scholarships specifically for undocumented students and DACA recipients. Additionally, local scholarships offered by organizations, places of worship, or civic groups can be a valuable source of funding.
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Institutional grants
While undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, they can still access institutional grants and scholarships to help pay for college. Many colleges and universities offer financial aid to undocumented students, and in some cases, state aid is also available.
Undocumented students should research the policies of their state and prospective colleges, as these can vary significantly. While some states and colleges actively block access to financial aid for undocumented students, others provide generous institutional aid. For example, TheDream.US offers two scholarships for undocumented students, but they are not available in states like California and Washington, which offer their own generous state and institutional aid.
Additionally, some colleges have student support centers or task forces specifically dedicated to helping undocumented students find resources and financial aid. These support systems can provide valuable guidance and information on the processes and procedures in place for undocumented students.
It is important to note that undocumented students may face challenges when applying for scholarships, as many require the recipient to be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. However, there are curated lists of resources, such as Immigrants Rising and the Presidents' Alliance, which provide information on scholarships and fellowships specifically for undocumented students.
Overall, while undocumented students face roadblocks in accessing federal financial aid, institutional grants and scholarships, as well as state aid in some cases, can help make college more affordable for this population.
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Local scholarships
Undocumented students face several challenges when it comes to financing their college education. They are ineligible for federal financial aid and loans, and some states also bar them from receiving state aid. Additionally, undocumented students may be classified as international students by some schools, resulting in higher tuition fees and more competition for limited financial aid.
However, there are still options available to help undocumented students secure funding for their college education. One option is to explore local scholarships. Local scholarships are offered by various organizations and institutions within a specific state or community and can provide valuable financial support for undocumented students. Here are some tips and suggestions for finding and applying for local scholarships:
- State and Community Organizations: Many states and communities have organizations dedicated to supporting undocumented students in their pursuit of higher education. These organizations often have scholarships or grants specifically for students within their state or community. Examples include the Student Excellent Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship in Delaware, which offers tuition-free attendance at Delaware Tech for eligible students meeting residency and academic requirements.
- Places of Worship or Civic Organizations: Local places of worship, such as churches, mosques, or temples, sometimes offer scholarships for members of their congregation or community. Civic organizations, such as local chapters of non-profit organizations or community development groups, may also have scholarship programs for undocumented students.
- State and Institutional Aid: While some states restrict access to in-state tuition and state financial aid for undocumented students, others provide more inclusive policies. For example, California and certain other states offer in-state tuition to undocumented students at some universities. Additionally, some colleges and universities, such as George Washington University, offer institutional scholarships regardless of immigration status.
- Private Colleges and Universities: Private colleges, which are primarily funded by non-government aid, may be more accessible options for undocumented students. They often have more flexibility in providing need-based financial aid, and their tuition rates may be comparable to or lower than public universities after financial aid is applied.
- Online Education: Online universities and accredited online programs can offer increased access to higher education for undocumented students. These flexible options allow students to work while studying and may provide more affordable tuition rates. However, it is essential to ensure that the online institution is accredited and not-for-profit.
- Research and Resources: Undocumented students should conduct thorough research to identify local scholarships that align with their needs and qualifications. Resources such as Scholarships.com, BestColleges.com, and the Higher Ed Immigration Portal can provide valuable information on scholarships and state policies regarding undocumented students. Additionally, high school counselors, college financial aid offices, and student support centers can offer guidance and answer questions about financial aid processes and opportunities.
By exploring these avenues and staying informed about state policies and scholarship opportunities, undocumented students can increase their chances of securing local scholarships to support their college education. It is important to remember that eligibility requirements and application processes may vary, so thorough research and proactive outreach are key to maximizing funding opportunities.
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Frequently asked questions
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but they can access state financial aid, scholarships, and grants in some states. Private colleges, which are primarily funded by non-government aid, are another option for undocumented students as it is easier to obtain need-based financial aid.
Many colleges don't require a student to be a citizen or permanent resident to qualify for institutional scholarships and grants. For example, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., offers merit scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 per academic year to qualified applicants regardless of their immigration or citizenship status.
Financial aid can also come from private organizations, places of worship, or civic organizations.
Undocumented students can contact their high school counselor or a college's financial aid office to learn about their options for financial aid. Some colleges also have student support centers that help students find resources within their institutions and locally.
Four states provide in-state tuition to undocumented students at some but not all universities. Five states restrict in-state tuition eligibility to DACA recipients only. Eight states and Puerto Rico do not have known policies, and another ten states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students.
