College Guide for DACA and Undocumented Students

A college degree can open new career opportunities for DACA and undocumented students. But first, you have to get into college.

“As a first-generation college student and daughter of immigrants, I had very limited knowledge about the multi-step college application process,” says Jennifer Herrera, a recent graduate from Meredith College. “Fortunately, my peers and their parents helped every step of the way.”

Whether you’re applying to college yourself or you’re the parent or family member of an undocumented student, our guide can help you navigate the college selection, application, and financial aid process.

U.S. immigration policy is complex and evolving. Most of the 3.6 million Dreamers living in the U.S. do not have DACA protections because the program currently only protects around 530,000 Dreamers, according to the National Immigration Forum.

Legal challenges to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program have temporarily halted the government’s ability to process new applications, and the program itself remains at risk. In June 2024, the Biden Administration announced new policies for the spouses and children of U.S. citizens and Dreamers with a college degree.

As U.S. immigration policy continues to change, undocumented students should understand their legal resources and continue to stay informed about policy changes.

You don’t have to prove citizenship to attend college in the U.S. However, by researching colleges before applying, you can find schools that support undocumented students through special scholarships, campus resources, and other services.

Many colleges welcome undocumented students and offer scholarships, support services, and more for these students. Researching which colleges support undocumented students can help you find a good fit.

Here are five colleges that welcome undocumented students:

Your tuition rate depends on the school, your state residency, and the delivery format. In general, public colleges are the most affordable due to in-state tuition discounts. However, undocumented students do not qualify for these discounts in every state. As of June 2024, 25 states offer in-state tuition rates for undocumented residents.

While undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid, 19 states offer state financial aid to undocumented students. Attending an online program can also make college more affordable.

When researching colleges, consider which class format best fits your learning style and schedule. For example, some students prefer small class sizes, while others benefit from the flexibility of online classes.

Asynchronous online classes offer the greatest flexibility because they do not require live class sessions. That means you can complete coursework on your schedule, which often appeals to working students.

What’s the campus culture like? What resources does the school offer? And what are the students like? Attending college open houses can give you a valuable perspective on schools and help you compare your options to find the best fit.

As Herrera notes, “[My peers and their parents] even invited me to several open house events at various universities so that I could familiarize myself with different types of institutions.”

Undocumented student and DACA college applications look similar to any other application. Like all students, you’ll need to showcase your strengths on your applications.

A strong college application often includes:

Each college sets its own deadlines and application requirements. Make sure to carefully review the application materials and deadlines for each school. Using the Common App or the Common Black College App can simplify the process. These systems let you fill out a single application to apply to multiple schools.

College application fees can add up. While the Common App is free, you may still need to pay fees for each school that reviews your application. You can apply for a fee waiver to save money on application fees.

Applying to college as an undocumented student can be stressful. Should you select a country of citizenship? How should you handle requests for your Social Security number? Check out our college application guide for more information and resources for DACA and undocumented students.

The cost of college continues to rise, and undocumented students face unique challenges when it comes to financial aid. DACA and undocumented students do not qualify for federal student aid programs, including federal student loans.

As of June 2024, undocumented students qualify for state financial aid in 19 states, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. In some states, that can include free college for undocumented students.

Undocumented students may also qualify for college scholarships to pay for their degrees. When researching scholarships, make sure to check for a citizenship requirement. Private student loans for undocumented students should be the last resort after exhausting other forms of financial aid. Learn more about financial aid options by state with our guide to financial aid for undocumented students.

Note: The insights on this page were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed July 4, 2024.