Graduate School Guide for Undocumented Students
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- Undocumented students face incredible challenges, but they do have grad school options.
- Many states and schools offer strong support systems and accommodations for these learners.
- Undocumented students should complete applications carefully.
- Not all options are available, but undocumented students can still access financial aid.
Attending graduate school is no easy feat. Admission requirements and tuition rates can make these programs inaccessible for many, but undocumented students face additional barriers when pursuing master’s and doctoral degrees.
Recent estimates put the number of undocumented higher education students in the U.S. at more than 427,000 pupils. None of those learners have access to federal aid, and some are unable to access in-state tuition rates or even enroll at public schools in their home states.
In this guide, we explore the plight of undocumented students in graduate school, providing information and resources that might help these learners overcome some obstacles.
Challenges Undocumented Graduate Students Face
Graduate school can be overwhelming for so many students. And undocumented graduate students may feel more strain than others, especially if they are first-generation students who lack an experienced support system. Some states, including Alabama and South Carolina, restrict graduate school at public institutions for undocumented students altogether.
Financial situations can lead to even more challenges for undocumented students in graduate school. According to Bread for the World, the poverty rate for undocumented people sits at approximately 30%, nearly three times the average rate in the U.S. With no access to federal financial aid, these learners must fund their education through other means, such as personal funds, loans, and scholarships for undocumented students.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Choosing a Graduate Program as an Undocumented Student
Below are some of the most important considerations for undocumented students when picking a graduate school and program.
Program Curriculum
A program’s curriculum provides details on courses and other requirements. Prospective graduate students should choose programs that cover material that interests them and helps them prepare for their target career. They should also consider lab, research, and project requirements.
Location
Location can impact a program’s price, curriculum, and admission requirements. Location plays an even bigger role in choosing a graduate school for undocumented students. Schools in some states offer more specialized services and programs to support undocumented students, whereas others establish additional hurdles.
Additionally, choosing programs in sanctuary cities — where there may be more resources and programs tailored towards the advocacy of immigrant rights — can help undocumented students protect themselves and their rights.
Cost
Students should pay close attention to costs related to tuition, housing, and other expenses. Some schools withhold in-state tuition rates from undocumented students, who already cannot receive federal financial aid.
Program Requirements
A program’s prerequisites can help students determine their admission eligibility and chances of success. These requirements can also provide information on admission policies regarding undocumented students.
Resources and Support Systems
Many schools offer career and academic support services. Undocumented students can also look for graduate schools with diversity and inclusion resources, including support groups, immigration rights information, campus organizations, and mentorship opportunities.
Interview With a Student: Judith Perez-Castro
What made you decide to pursue a law degree?Did you know you wanted to pursue this career during your undergraduate program?
My dad’s near deportation during my junior year of high school made me pursue a law degree. I saw first-hand the need for bilingual attorneys. Yes, I knew I wanted to pursue a law degree in undergrad. Getting a bachelor’s was my first step toward law school.
What resources were helpful to you as you went through the college application process? How did the process differ when you applied to graduate school?
My mentor was helpful as they helped me navigate through the process because my parents did not know what the process was and themselves did not complete more than a middle school education and cannot speak English. I applied for law school largely on my own from studying for the LSAT, applying for and taking the LSAT, and applying to law school, as well as for scholarships.
What has been the biggest change in your academic experience as a graduate student compared to your time as an undergraduate college student?
As an ICLEO fellow, part of the program requires a law school summer institute where taking classes gives you a taste of what law school is like. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done — and I am a 4.0 student. Totally different playing field and way more challenging than everything I’ve ever done. I will also be a part-time student and will have to go to school and work part-time.
How has your identity and status influenced your graduate school experience?
My Hispanic DACA experience has 100% influenced my school and work experience. I am in a white-male-dominated field and live in a town with a large Hispanic demographic where the attorney pool does not reflect the population. Hispanic law school students are an extremely small percentage as well, so I am sure this will impact my graduate experience. It’s nothing new, however. I went to undergrad in the South.
Applying to Graduate School as an Undocumented Student
There are no federal laws that bar undocumented students from graduate school. Nevertheless, some states, including Alabama and South Carolina, do not allow undocumented learners to attend public schools.
Some schools require proof of citizenship, while others allow only Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students to apply. Still, others are willing to accept all qualified students — regardless of their legal status. Below are some of the most common admission requirements for undocumented graduate students.
Graduate Applications
Graduate applications may ask students to disclose their citizenship status. Some schools make these answers mandatory, but others allow applicants to bypass these questions without answering them. Some schools may even offer free applications to undocumented students.
Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, schools cannot reveal a student’s personal information without consent. Nevertheless, undocumented students should speak to an advisor before completing these forms.
Entrance Exams
Many graduate schools ask applicants to submit standardized test scores. Scoring above the 50th percentile on the GRE and/or above the 75th percentile on the GMAT can greatly improve your chances of acceptance.
However, test-takers typically need valid identification, which can present problems for undocumented students. Tests may accept any government-issued ID, which can help some learners. Students without any form of identification may need to call a testing center anonymously to find out how to request an ID waiver.
Additional Application Materials
- Undergraduate Transcripts: Graduate programs require undergraduate transcripts as part of an application. Many schools admit only students with good GPAs, such as a 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Resume: Resumes provide information about work and community service experience, personal achievements, and other accolades not available on transcripts. Resumes can also help schools identify an applicant’s commitment to a specific discipline or career.
- Personal Statements and Essays: Most programs require some form of personal statement or college application essay. These writing samples provide insight into an applicant’s personality and experiences. While undocumented students can incorporate their own personal immigration experiences, knowing that schools cannot legally reveal that information, they should not make this decision lightly.
- Letters of Recommendation: Letters of recommendation typically come from an applicant’s teachers and employers. These letters give schools with an idea of how the student might fit into and succeed within the program.
- Interviews: Graduate programs sometimes require interviews as part of the application process. This helps the admissions committee get to know each applicant more personally. For undocumented students, interviews might cause anxiety. They should only reveal what they feel comfortable sharing.
Interview With a Student: Ricardo Crespo
What made you decide to pursue a degree in medicine? Did you know you wanted to pursue this career during your undergraduate program?
I chose a career in medicine because I sought the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds and the reward of establishing long-term relationships with patients. Throughout my life, I have found happiness in meeting people from many walks of life and learning about them in a way that allows me to help them with their problems.
My various clinical experiences during my undergraduate career reinforced my desire to practice medicine and learn the robust sciences involved in the functioning of the human body. Lastly, I enjoy that in medicine, I will see new things every day and be constantly challenged to become a lifelong learner in my career.
What resources were helpful to you as you went through the graduate school application process? How did the process differ when you applied to medical school?
My guidance counselor was my number one resource when I was going through the college application process. She offered constant advice and provided information whenever I needed it. My high school wrestling coach was also a tremendous resource, who offered both reassurance and support (as well as proofreading help!).
The application process was different for medical school because there are so many students applying and, in my experience, nowhere near enough pre-health advisors. In that sense, I was navigating many questions and doubts on my own, particularly those related to DACA. However, I was able to find incredible mentors, professors, and medical student friends to help guide me in the right direction.
What has been the biggest change in your academic experience as a graduate student compared to your time as an undergraduate college student?
So far, I have experienced more nerves and anxiety as a new professional student than I did when I began as an undergraduate. I think this also dovetails with the feeling of imposter syndrome that I and so many of my classmates experience. Our medical school orientation even had a lecturer address rampant impostor syndrome.
My professional academic experience is also different because I know my undergraduate mentors can no longer help me as much as they once did; this means that I must once again focus on networking and finding new professors/faculty/staff to guide and mentor me on a whole new journey in my education. The amount of material that we are expected to know is also much greater. However, it is so nice to be able to concentrate on one set of material — the information that encompasses my career in medicine — and not have to worry about other not-as-relevant classes.
How has your identity and status influenced your graduate school experience?
My identity has influenced my professional school experience tremendously. As a DACA student, I have constantly experienced academic and social barriers that push me to rise above my status and face challenges with grace, integrity, and confidence.
While being DACAmented is part of who I am and influences my career aspirations, it is not something I allow to define me. I am extremely proud to be a Mexican, North Carolinian country boy who is bilingual and knows how to relate to people from all parts of the social spectrum.
As someone who originated in a lower-income family of immigrants but is now one step closer to becoming a doctor, I hope to serve as a role model and help those struggling in any walk of life.
Paying for Graduate School as an Undocumented Student
Depending on the field, paying for graduate school can be a challenge for many students, including undocumented students. Financial aid for undocumented students may not even be available in some cases. While undocumented students can legally apply to grad school, they do not qualify for federal funding, and some state funding is also restricted.
When undocumented students attend graduate school, they often rely on a combination of personal financing; private loans; fellowships; assistantships; and/or regional, state, and private scholarships.
In-State Tuition Breaks
Many schools offer tuition discounts to in-state learners, but several states withhold these discounts from undocumented students. In fact, only about 20 states provide in-state tuition rates to undocumented students, including California, Washington, New York, and Florida.
In-state rates can be significantly less expensive than out-of-state rates, and access these discounts makes it much easier for undocumented students to afford graduate school.
Scholarships and Grants
Without access to federal funding, undocumented students may need to pursue other avenues to fund their education. Grants and scholarships for undocumented students offered by colleges, state governments, and private organizations provide some of the best options. These programs may specifically serve undocumented students and may not require citizenship information.
Undocumented students can check with their state, graduate program, or financial aid office to see what financial support they may qualify for. Prospective students should also seek out private scholarships by searching through databases.
Graduate School Resources for Undocumented Students
TheDream.Us
This organization helps connect DACA and undocumented students with schools and scholarships. It also offers various guides and resources describing different steps of the higher education process.
United We Dream
United We Dream advocates for immigrants and undocumented people, developing and running various support and empowerment campaigns. Visitors and members can access resources on various topics, including education.
CitizenPath
CitizenPath offers resources related to DACA and other legal proceedings that might concern undocumented students. The organization helps immigrants apply for legal status and provides information on various related topics.
BigFuture by the College Board
The College Board’s BigFuture site offers resources on numerous educational topics relevant to undocumented students. For example, visitors can find financial aid information and guides for applying to college.
Federal Student Aid FAQ Sheet
StudentAid.gov offers this resource to inform undocumented students and their families about the federal funding process. The guide also provides information on obtaining a Social Security number and answers to frequently asked questions about legal status.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
The ILRC provides information and resources that help immigrants navigate the complex legal system in the U.S. The center advocates for immigrant rights and improved policies provides legal advice and training, and runs community campaigns.
National Immigration Law Center
NILC offers support and legal resources to immigrants from low-income families and communities. Visitors can find information on undocumented student rights and support programs.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS publishes information on the latest legal proceedings and news regarding DACA and other immigrant-related status issues. The website offers application guidelines, tips, and other resources.
My Undocumented Life
This volunteer-run organization offers many resources for undocumented students, including guidance on how to apply for graduate school. Its website also lists fellowships for undocumented students, key information about graduate school and advice from other undocumented students.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduate School for Undocumented Students
Can undocumented students go to graduate school?
Yes. No federal law keeps undocumented students from applying for and attending grad school. Some schools, however, do not accept undocumented students.
Can DACA students apply to graduate school?
Yes. Both DACA and undocumented students can apply to graduate school. Sometimes, DACA students may have an easier time applying because their documentation may be more accessible.
How can undocumented students pay for graduate school?
Undocumented students can pay for graduate school in various ways, including utilizing personal finances, private loans, assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and grants. Many states and schools offer awards to undocumented students, and scholarships often allow applicants to apply without revealing citizenship information.
Can undocumented students go to law school?
Yes. To apply, however, prospective learners need to take the LSAT, which requires valid government-issued identification. Candidates may request to take the test with an alternate ID by contacting the Law School Admission Council.
Meet the Students
Judith is an incoming law student at Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law and an ICLEO Fellow. She is also a part-time court reporter for Clinton Superior Court in Indiana.
Judith attended Wingate University where she graduated with summa cum laude honors in May of 2020. She identifies as a first-generation student and recipient of a full-ride scholarship through the Golden Door Scholars program. Her father’s near deportation in her junior year of high school inspired Judith to pursue a law degree so she could one day defend immigrant, working-class families.
After receiving her law degree, Judith plans to start her legal career as a pauper attorney in her hometown of Frankfort, Indiana, and specialize in criminal and immigration law.
Ricardo is a first-year medical student and North Carolina native. Ricardo has a professional interest in family medicine and aspires to be someone his patients can trust and come to for anything. He also has a keen interest in both sports medicine and community service, and strives to always be as involved in the community as much as possible. Additionally, Ricardo works as a Spanish tutor and volunteers as an interpreter at a free clinic.
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