College Application Guide for Undocumented Students

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According to the President’s Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, there are approximately 450,000 undocumented students attending college. Despite the systemic roadblocks and political legislation that can impact their college experience, going to college is still a possibility for undocumented students.

Although there are some states that do not allow undocumented students to attend public colleges, such as South Carolina, many states are not only welcoming, but also offer sizeable financial aid for undocumented students who want to attend college.

This guide aims to help undocumented students navigate the often complex college application process so you can achieve your educational goals.

Thanks to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, school officials legally can’t disclose a student’s immigration status without their express permission. No federal law requires proof of citizenship for admission to U.S. colleges.

Most institutions set their own admission requirements. States that place restrictions on undocumented students, like Arizona, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Virginia, aren’t doing so to comply with any state or federal law. While undocumented status can limit your choices, it’s possible to find a college or university that accepts undocumented students and provides enough funding and support to make attending feasible.

Undocumented students can start their college search by asking their high school teachers and counselors for advice. Such mentors may be able to direct students to college admissions counselors or pair them with other undocumented students who have either successfully enrolled in college or are aspiring to enroll.

Because undocumented status renders students ineligible for federal financial aid, access to in-state tuition is a critical factor when it comes to affording education. Fortunately, a large percentage of undocumented immigrants in America live in states with laws that permit undocumented high school graduates to pay in-state tuition at colleges and universities.

Other states without such laws have taken different measures to make college more affordable for undocumented students. For example, Rhode Island’s Board of Governors for Higher Education and the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents offer in-state tuition at public colleges and universities to students who qualify.

In addition to colleges that offer in-state tuition rates to undocumented students, some schools oversee special programs or student body organizations that support these learners.

For instance, many schools in California, such as UCLA and UC Berkeley, maintain undocumented student programs that provide services, resources, and support. They also provide information on how students who are ineligible to file the FAFSA can fund their education.

Other than immigration status, you’re no different than any other student. Each school maintains different admission requirements, but undocumented students can take several steps to improve their chances of gaining admission.

Most colleges ask applicants to submit the following materials:

In some cases, due to geographic separation, undocumented students may be unable to receive help with applications from parents or other family members. In these instances, you can seek help from high school guidance counselors or even the admissions department at a school where you’re planning on applying.

Because they are undocumented, it is important that these students be prepared to address two major issues on their applications:

Country of Citizenship: The best answer to this question may vary, depending on where you’re applying for school. In California, for example, the option “No Selection” is the recommended response for undocumented applicants, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. The “No Selection” response allows undocumented students to skip other questions about permanent residency and visa status that are not applicable.

Social Security Number: Simply skip this question. No other numbers, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or an Alien Number gained with DACA status, can be substituted.

Students should never misrepresent their immigration status, and they need to think carefully about the best way to explain their situation when talking to college advisors and completing written applications.

Choose Your Future — a resource for prospective high school and college students — provides a pros and cons list in its “Undocumented Students: DREAMer’s Pathway to College” article regarding how to discuss undocumented status.

Application advisors, admissions departments, and financial aid counselors are not allowed by law to report undocumented students to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. Additionally, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) prohibits schools from providing information on a student’s immigration status to federal immigration agents.

What students tell their counselors and potential schools cannot typically serve as incriminating evidence against them, and their advisors may be able to point them to resources that will help them gain temporary legal status through DACA.

To maximize your potential for academic success as an undocumented student, you should fully understand your legal rights and be aware of the resources available to you. Even without the passage of the federal DREAM Act, you’re entitled to certain protections and opportunities on your path to earning a degree.

Perhaps the most crucial fact for undocumented students to remember is that there is no federal law that requires proof of citizenship status for admission or matriculation at any U.S. college or university. Because of a common misconception to the contrary, millions of undocumented individuals are missing out on the opportunity to gain an education, improve their employment prospects, and contribute to the growth of the U.S. economy.

In addition to their rights under state mini-DREAM Acts and DACA, undocumented students have the right to block disclosure of their education records by schools (except in special circumstances) under FERPA. Under the law, any government authority seeking access to such information needs a court order or a warrant.

Thanks to FERPA, students don’t have to worry about hiding their undocumented status from school officials, even during the application process.

Obtaining a student visa as an undocumented student is quite difficult. According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling, to qualify for a student visa, a student must provide evidence that their permanent residence is abroad. They may also need to conduct an interview with U.S. embassy counsel in their home country. For these reasons, getting a student visa can prove challenging for undocumented students.

Unfortunately, because of status, undocumented students are not eligible for Pell Grants or federal aid. However, depending on their state and location, schools may provide in-state financial aid for undocumented students.

At least 11 states offer in-state grants and aid for undocumented students, including California, New York, and Washington. Additionally, there are several nonprofit organizations and education funds that offer scholarships for undocumented students attending college.

Editor’s Note: This article contains general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a professional advisor before making decisions about legal issues.

Feature Image: Hindustan Times / Contributor / Getty Images