College Scholarships for DACA and Undocumented Students
It’s unclear how many undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., but recent reports put the estimated number at close to 11 million. As of 2023, only about 530,000 of these immigrants have protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
When it comes to financing an education, undocumented students cannot access federal financial aid, which forces them to look for funding alternatives. Thankfully, numerous scholarship opportunities are available to support undocumented students in pursuing their educational goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, this page can help you access valuable resources for your academic journey.
Can Undocumented Students Apply for Scholarships?
According to numbers compiled by the Higher Ed Immigration Portal in 2022, roughly 100,000 undocumented students graduate from high schools across the country each year. With federal financial aid out of reach, state and private scholarships for undocumented students can become especially valuable.
Although some states do not offer government-funded scholarships for undocumented students, many states do offer different types of financial aid to undocumented learners.
Additionally, many private scholarships do not require U.S. citizenship for eligibility. This gives undocumented students a chance to apply for financial awards.
6 Scholarships for Undocumented Students
Golden Door Scholars
- Who Is Eligible?: Learners with financial need, high GPAs, and leadership experience can apply. Preference is given to students pursuing undergraduate degrees in career-ready majors, such as data analytics, nursing, and software engineering. Recipients can be high schoolers or recent graduates. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA.
- Application Deadline: October 1, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Four-year tuition, room, and board at a Golden Door Scholars regional partner school
Opportunity Scholarship
- Who Is Eligible?: Students with or without DACA status who live in states that do not offer in-state tuition to DREAMers are eligible. Students must have come to the U.S. before the age of 16.
- Application Deadline: November 1, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $80,000
QuestBridge
- Who Is Eligible?: High school students with high GPAs and financial need can apply, regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students must match with colleges that will accept their status.
- Application Deadline: September 26, 2024
- Scholarship Amount: Four-year scholarship up to $325,000
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
- Who Is Eligible?: High school students with financial need pursuing careers in social justice can apply, regardless of citizenship. Applicants must submit a personal statement, transcripts, and signed references.
- Application Deadline: April 1, 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $15,000
Que Llueva Café Scholarship
- Who Is Eligible?: Undocumented students entering an accredited U.S. college for the first time can apply. Candidates must demonstrate financial need, extracurricular involvement, and academic promise.
- Application Deadline: Applications reopen in 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
National Scholarship
- Who Is Eligible?: Undocumented students with or without DACA status who qualify for in-state tuition at a TheDream.US partner school are eligible. Candidates must have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and must have come to the U.S. prior to November 1, 2018.
- Application Deadline: Applications reopen in 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $33,000
7 Scholarships for DACA Students
The Dream Award
- Who Is Eligible?: DACA students who have completed at least one year of college or trade school with a 3.0 GPA may apply. This scholarship was created to provide forward momentum for students with challenges related to college.
- Application Deadline: Applications reopen in February 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $10,000 per year, renewable for up to three years
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
- Who Is Eligible?: DACA students accepted to or enrolled in a full-time college degree program are eligible.
- Application Deadline: July 31, 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Grand Prize: $10,000; Runner-Up: $2,000; Honorable Mention: $2,000
The Esperanza Education Fund
- Who Is Eligible?: This is a need-based scholarship for immigrant students or students with both parents born outside the U.S. Students must be from the District of Columbia metro area, Maryland, or Virginia. Winners receive mentorship and scholarly support.
- Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $20,000
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Who Is Eligible?: Applicants must be of Hispanic heritage and have a minimum 3.0 high school GPA or a minimum 2.5 college GPA.
- Application Deadline: February 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $5,000
Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
- Who Is Eligible?: This scholarship is a national award that gives community college students the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. The scholarship includes college planning support, networking, and mentorship opportunities. Applicants must possess a minimum 3.5 GPA and have financial need.
- Application Deadline: To be announced (applications open fall 2024)
- Scholarship Amount: Up to $55,000 per year
Too Cool to Pay for School Scholarship
- Who Is Eligible?: U.S. students, including DACA recipients, who are enrolled full time or planning to enroll in an accredited college or university can apply.
- Application Deadline: Quarterly (March, June, September, and December)
- Scholarship Amount: $1,000
HACU Scholarship Program
- Who Is Eligible?: Students (including DACA students) enrolled or planning to enroll in a member school of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities are eligible for this program. Students must also demonstrate financial need.
- Application Deadline: May-July 2025
- Scholarship Amount: Varies
Frequently Asked Questions About Scholarships for DACA and Undocumented Students
Scholarships for undocumented students are a great way to pay for school. Since these students cannot apply for federal aid, they should check for private, state, and school scholarships. Loans and payment plans may also be available.
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