Ibrahim Gardner
DACA students face a unique set of challenges when it comes to paying for college. They are not eligible for federal financial aid and are considered ineligible noncitizens, which includes grants, work-study programs, and government student loans. However, there are still ways for DACA students to fund their college education. DACA students can receive scholarships, state aid, and private student loans. Additionally, DACA recipients can receive work permits, allowing them to work legally in the United States and support themselves. They can also take advantage of in-state tuition rates, payment plans, and alternative paths to a four-year degree.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Federal student loans | DACA students are not eligible |
| Private scholarships | Available from places of worship, civic organizations, and charitable foundations |
| State aid | Available in 19 states, including California, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Nevada, and Washington |
| In-state tuition | Available in at least 20 states |
| Private lenders | MPOWER Financing and other private lenders offer loans to non-U.S. citizens |
| Institutional aid | Some colleges and universities offer institutional aid |
| Work | DACA recipients can obtain a work permit and legally work in the U.S. |
| Payment plans | Many schools offer payment plans to spread out tuition costs |
| Alternative degrees | Community colleges or part-time enrollment may be more affordable options |
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What You'll Learn
Scholarships
As a DACA student, you may not be eligible for federal financial aid, including grants and work-study programs, as well as government student loans. However, there are still several scholarship opportunities available to help finance your college education. Here are some options to explore:
National Scholarships:
- TheDream.US: This organization offers scholarships to highly motivated undocumented students who want to pursue a college education but require financial assistance. They provide two types of scholarships: one offering up to $16,500 for an associate degree and the other providing up to $33,000 for a bachelor's degree. To be eligible, applicants must meet specific requirements, including demonstrating significant financial need and being eligible for in-state tuition at partner institutions.
- Golden Door Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for undocumented students or students with DACA status seeking a four-year degree at partner schools in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina.
Local Scholarships:
Local scholarships are offered by various organizations, such as places of worship or civic organizations, and they vary by state and region. Here are some examples:
- Chicana and Latina students in Northern California: This scholarship is for applicants enrolled in an accredited college or university in specific California counties, who have lived in those counties for at least two years, and have at least one parent or grandparent of Hispanic descent.
- Latinx high school seniors: This scholarship assists students who plan to study Engineering, Computer Science, or Business in college.
- High school seniors with Hispanic heritage: Applicants with at least one parent of Hispanic heritage and a minimum GPA of 2.8 are eligible for this scholarship. DREAMERS/DACA recipients are explicitly mentioned as eligible applicants.
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students: This scholarship is for students seeking a college degree and actively involved in AAPI communities or related causes. Applicants must complete a questionnaire and write an essay. Undocumented students, including those with DACA status, are welcome to apply.
- Oregon and Washington States Scholarship: Get Schooled is offering seven scholarships worth $2,000 each to high school juniors and seniors residing in Oregon and Washington states.
In addition to these scholarships, it is worth noting that some states provide in-state tuition rates and state financial aid or scholarships specifically for DACA recipients and undocumented students. These policies vary from state to state, so be sure to research the specific rules in your state of residence.
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State or institutional financial aid
As a DACA student, you are not eligible for federal financial aid, which includes grants, work-study programs, and government student loans. However, state or institutional financial aid may be available depending on your state of residence and the policies of the specific institution you plan to attend.
Some states provide in-state tuition to DACA recipients and other undocumented students at some, but not all, universities. Additionally, certain states offer state financial aid or scholarships specifically for DACA recipients and undocumented students. These opportunities vary by state, so it is essential to research the policies and opportunities available in your state of residence.
For example, in California, DACA recipients and undocumented students can apply for the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) to access state-based financial aid and in-state tuition. Colorado offers the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA), which provides aid to undocumented and Colorado ASSET students, even if they do not qualify for in-state tuition. In Connecticut, the Aid Application for CT Undocumented Students (AACTUS) provides institutional aid to undocumented and DACA students applying to state universities or community colleges.
In Nevada, DACA and undocumented students may qualify for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, the Silver State Opportunity Grant, and the Nevada Promise Scholarship. Many colleges and universities in Nevada also offer institutional financial aid programs. New Jersey offers the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application for students who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA but meet specific residency requirements. New Mexico provides access to state financial aid at public postsecondary institutions for eligible undocumented and DACA students.
It is important to note that each school may have its own application and process for institutional financial aid. Additionally, some states may require undocumented students to complete a specific financial aid application to determine eligibility for state-based assistance. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the financial aid office at your school of interest to inquire about their specific processes and requirements.
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Private student loans
As a DACA student, you are not eligible for federal student loans or grants. However, you can apply for private student loans from lenders such as Ascent, Earnest, and MPOWER Financing. These loans can be secured with or without a cosigner, depending on the lender.
Ascent offers both cosigned and non-cosigned credit-based loans to undergraduate and graduate DACA students. They also provide scholarships for eligible students.
Earnest also offers private loans to DACA students without a cosigner.
MPOWER Financing provides no-cosigner student loans for DACA recipients to study in any of 300+ schools in the USA. Their loans have a fixed interest rate of 9.99% (11.16% APR), including a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.
It is important to note that private student loans typically have higher interest rates and less favourable repayment terms than federal loans. Therefore, it is recommended to exhaust all other options, such as scholarships and grants, before taking out private loans. Additionally, some states offer financial aid or scholarships specifically for undocumented immigrants, so be sure to check with your state and school for any available opportunities.
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Payment plans
As a DACA student, you are not eligible for federal student loans and grants. However, there are other ways to pay for college, such as private scholarships, institutional aid, and state aid.
Most schools offer payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of tuition over time. Many schools offer periodic payments according to a payment plan set at the beginning of the semester.
Private Scholarships
There are several private scholarships available for DACA students. The National Scholarship, for instance, provides up to $16,500 for an associate degree and up to $33,000 for a bachelor's degree. The Golden Door Scholarship provides funding for a four-year degree at a partner school in Georgia, North Carolina, or South Carolina. The Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at a partner school (up to $80,000).
State Aid
State aid is also an option for DACA students in some cases. Nineteen states, including California, Maryland, New York, Virginia, Nevada, and Washington, and the District of Columbia, allow eligible undocumented students to access state financial aid.
Private Loans
Private loans are another option for DACA students, but they can be riskier than federal loans due to higher interest rates and a lack of consumer protections. Private lenders such as MPOWER Financing offer loans to non-U.S. citizens, and some do not require a U.S. citizen cosigner.
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Work
As a DACA student, you are not eligible for federal student loans and grants, but there are still ways to fund your college education through work.
DACA recipients can obtain a work permit, allowing them to legally work in the United States and support themselves and their families. DACA recipients are issued a Social Security Number (SSN), which is essential for employment in the United States. With a work permit and SSN, you can seek employment to fund your college education.
Additionally, DACA students may be eligible for fee remission or a discount on tuition as compensation for employment. This means that if you work for your college or university, you could receive a reduction in your tuition fees.
Private Loans
Private student loans are another option for DACA students. While these loans typically have higher interest rates and lack the consumer protections of federal loans, they can provide funding for your education. Some private lenders, such as MPOWER Financing, will consider non-U.S. citizens and may not require a U.S. citizen cosigner. However, be cautious and only borrow what you can reasonably expect to repay once you leave school.
Scholarships
There are also private scholarships available for DACA students, such as the Golden Door Scholarship, which provides funding for a four-year degree at partner schools in select states. The National Scholarship provides up to $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor's degree to undocumented students. The Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals up to $80,000 at a partner school.
Local scholarships offered by places of worship or civic organizations are also worth considering. Start your scholarship search early and continue applying each year you are enrolled in college.
Payment Plans
Most schools offer payment plans that allow you to spread out the cost of tuition over time. This can help make college more affordable by breaking down the cost into manageable periodic payments.
Alternatives to a Four-Year Degree
Consider alternatives to the traditional four-year, full-time enrollment. You may want to start at a community college, where in-state tuition is typically much lower. After completing transferable coursework, you can transfer to a four-year college. Part-time enrollment is another option that can allow you to work while studying to pay for education costs.
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Frequently asked questions
Although DACA students are not eligible for federal student loans, they can apply for private student loans from lenders such as MPOWER Financing. They can also apply for scholarships such as the Golden Door Scholarship, which provides funding for a four-year degree at a partner school in Georgia, North Carolina or South Carolina. Additionally, DACA recipients can receive a work permit to be able to legally work in the United States.
The National Scholarship provides undocumented students with up to $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor's degree. The Opportunity Scholarship will cover tuition, fees, on-campus housing and meals at a partner school (up to $80,000). The Golden Door Scholarship provides funding and support, including mentorship programs and career readiness.
DACA students can also consider alternatives to the traditional four-year, full-time enrollment. They may consider starting at a community college where in-state tuition may be much cheaper. They may also consider part-time enrollment so that they can work to pay for education costs.
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