Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

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In 2021-2022, full-time undergraduate students received an average of $15,330 in financial aid, according to The College Board. Graduate students received an average of $27,300. However, financial aid options for undocumented students are much more limited.

Despite the fact that many of these learners face great financial challenges, undocumented and DACA students do not qualify for federal funding. To fund your education, you’ll need to pursue other pathways, such as state funding and private scholarships.

Undocumented students cannot access federal financial aid, but state funding may be available.

At least 18 states offer state-funded financial aid for undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. You can also pursue private scholarships and loans, which may feature less restrictive policies and requirements. Additionally, some schools may allow you to sign up for a payment plan, and if you have work authorization, some employers will help pay for your tuition.

Even though undocumented learners have assurances under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, only reveal personal information on applications if you feel secure and protected.

According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, each state has its own set of policies on whether undocumented students have complete, partial, or no access to state funding for higher education.

According to the National Immigrant Law Center, no federal laws prevent states from offering in-state tuition rates to undocumented learners as long as they offer the same options for other students.

Scholarships provide some of the best pathways to financial aid for undocumented students. These awards may come from private sources, schools, or state funding in regions that accept and protect the rights of undocumented immigrants. Scholarships for undocumented students typically require applicants to submit transcripts, resumes, and essays.

Though similar, grants and scholarships often differ in terms of requirements related to financial need. Grants frequently target individuals from low-income households. In states that offer them financial aid, undocumented students may need to prove their eligibility by revealing their financial status. Prospective applicants should consider speaking with a financial aid advisor before applying to a school.

With no federal financial aid available for undocumented students, college loans may be a student’s only option. However, since private loans often require credit scores, many undocumented applicants may not qualify. Nevertheless, some lenders offer specialized options. Additionally, some states offer access to DACA student loans, although these could require immigration documentation and co-signers in the U.S.

While undocumented students cannot participate in federal work-study programs, some schools offer similar programs using state or private funding. Typically, applicants need to demonstrate financial need to qualify, so providing personal financial information may be required. Some programs may only accept DACA students with proper documentation.

Financial aid for undocumented students may be more difficult to find than for other learners, but there are several options. Prospective students may be able to apply for state funding in certain locations, as well as payment plans, work-study programs, and private loans. They can also qualify for various scholarships or ask their employer about tuition remission.

No. Students cannot fill out the FAFSA without a Social Security number. DACA students with a Social Security number may create an ID and proceed with the application. Though they still will not qualify for federal funding, they may receive state funding in some cases.

DACA students who have a Social Security number may submit the FAFSA, but they will not qualify for federal student aid. However, in some cases, DACA applicants may receive state aid; they should check with their guidance counselor or advisor to determine if filling out this form is worthwhile.

Yes. Students with undocumented parents can submit the FAFSA since only the applicant needs a Social Security number. However, students may need to divulge their parents’ or guardians’ financial information to qualify for certain forms of funding.

Yes. While undocumented students cannot qualify for federal student loans, they can qualify for various other types of loans. For example, some state funding programs may be available, and they can often access student loans from private lenders.