by The USA Scholarship Guide Team | Jul 30, 2025 | Resources & Tips

Paying for college is tough enough — and it can be even harder if you’re undocumented or a DACA recipient. Federal financial aid is off the table, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. From private scholarships to in-state tuition programs and university support, there are paths forward.

Here’s how undocumented and DACA students can find and apply for financial aid.

Can DACA and Undocumented Students Get Financial Aid?

While undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), aren’t eligible for federal aid like Pell Grants or federal student loans, they can still receive other types of funding:

Private scholarships
State-based grants and tuition assistance (in some states)
Institutional aid from colleges and universities

Private Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Private organizations and foundations often provide scholarships that don’t require citizenship or permanent residency. These can be a vital resource — especially for students locked out of state or federal programs.

National Scholarships to Know

TheDream.US
- Award: Up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree
- Eligibility: DACA or TPS status; must attend a partner college
Golden Door Scholars
- Award: Full tuition for high-achieving undocumented students
- Eligibility: DACA or undocumented status; strong academics
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- Award: $500–$5,000
- Eligibility: Open to DACA students of Hispanic heritage
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
- Award: Up to $55,000/year for transfer students
- Eligibility: Citizenship not required; highly competitive

Where to Search for More

Use scholarship databases that let you filter by eligibility:

Cappex
MyUndocumentedLife.org
Immigrants Rising
Scholarships.com

State-Based Financial Aid and Tuition Options

Several states have laws that support undocumented students with in-state tuition and, in some cases, state-funded financial aid. Each state’s policies vary, so it’s important to check your local rules.

States That Offer In-State Tuition + State Aid

State	In-State Tuition	State Financial Aid	Notes
California	✅	✅	Includes Cal Grants through CA Dream Act
Texas	✅	✅	Offers aid through TASFA
New York	✅	✅	TAP and Excelsior Scholarships available
Oregon	✅	✅	Through the Oregon Student Aid Application
Washington	✅	✅	Uses Washington Application for State Aid

States That Offer In-State Tuition Only

These states offer in-state tuition for undocumented students but do not provide access to state grants:

Colorado
Utah
Illinois
New Jersey
Connecticut

States With No State Aid or In-State Tuition

A few states still block in-state tuition or financial aid for undocumented students, making private and university aid more critical. Policies are always changing, so check with your school’s financial aid office.

University-Based Aid and Support Programs

Many colleges and universities — especially private institutions — offer their own scholarships and grants regardless of immigration status.

How to Find These Opportunities

Admissions or Financial Aid Websites: Look for dedicated “undocumented student” pages.
Undocumented Student Resource Centers: Many campuses have them with tailored support.
Institutional Applications: Some schools have their own financial aid forms (like the CSS Profile or internal undocumented aid applications).

Pro Tip: Apply to schools with a strong record of supporting undocumented students. Some schools even meet full demonstrated need, regardless of status.

Colleges Known for Supporting Undocumented Students

College/University	Type	Support Offered
University of California system	Public	In-state tuition + Cal Grants + Dream Loans
Pomona College	Private	Meets full need, regardless of immigration status
Harvard University	Private	Full need-based aid available to undocumented students
University of Texas System	Public	In-state tuition + state aid for DACA students
The New School	Private	Offers merit and need-based aid to all students

Tips for Applying as an Undocumented or DACA Student

Don’t Fill Out the FAFSA: You’re not eligible for federal aid, but schools may ask you to complete an alternate form like the CSS Profile or institutional app.
Gather Your Docs Early: Many private scholarships require transcripts, essays, and proof of financial need.
Get Letters of Recommendation: These can make a huge difference, especially when competing for private scholarships.
Explain Your Status Honestly: Use your personal story in your essays — many scholarships are looking for resilience and drive.

DACA vs. Undocumented: Key Differences in Financial Aid

Aid Type	DACA Students	Undocumented Students
Federal Financial Aid	❌	❌
State Financial Aid	Varies by state	Varies by state
In-State Tuition	✅ in many states	✅ in many states
Private Scholarships	✅	✅
University Aid	✅	✅

Keep Going — The Support Is Out There

Navigating financial aid as a DACA or undocumented student isn’t easy, but it’s far from impossible. There are dedicated programs, scholarships, and people ready to support your journey. Keep applying, keep asking questions, and don’t let your status stop you from achieving your goals.

Sources:

TheDream.US
National Immigration Law Center
Immigrants Rising
California Student Aid Commission
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

Related Content

Study Hacks for Busy Students: How to Learn More in Less Time

Balancing school with work, family, and other responsibilities can feel overwhelming, especially when there’s limited time to study. The good news? You don’t need to spend hours buried in textbooks to learn effectively. With the right study strategies, you can absorb...

Employer Tuition Reimbursement: How to Use It Wisely

Going back to school or earning a degree while working can be expensive—but if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, you’ve got one of the best education benefits around. Many companies now help employees pay for college or graduate school, giving workers the...

Transitioning from College to Career: How to Make a Smooth Financial Shift After Graduation

Graduating from college is a major milestone, but the financial transition that follows can feel overwhelming. Paychecks replace financial aid. Rent replaces dorm housing. Bills arrive regularly, and no one reminds you when they are due. The shift from student life to...

Balancing Full-Time Work and College: Productivity Tips That Actually Work

Juggling a full-time job while going to college is no small feat. Between work deadlines, class assignments, and trying to maintain a social life (or even just sleep), it can feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Yet, more adults than ever are proving it can...

Essential Tips for Acing College Interviews

College interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression beyond your application. Master the art of showcasing your personality, goals, and enthusiasm with these essential tips for acing admissions and scholarship interviews. Understand the Purpose of the...

Financial Aid Tips for Adults Going Back to School

Why Financial Aid Looks Different for Adult Learners If you're an adult thinking about returning to school, you’re not alone—and you're definitely not out of options. Financial aid isn’t just for recent high school grads. There are grants, loans, scholarships, and...

10 Study Hacks for College Success

College classes can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can stay on top of your coursework and excel academically. Uncover these simple yet effective study techniques to boost your skills and ace your classes. Create a Study Schedule Time management is...

Scholarships for Veterans and Military Families: How to Apply

For veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, pursuing higher education is not just a career goal—it’s a well-earned opportunity. But navigating how to pay for college can be confusing, especially when trying to combine GI Bill benefits, federal aid,...

Scholarship Scams: How to Spot and Avoid Them

When you’re applying for scholarships, the last thing you want is to fall into a trap that steals your time, money, or personal information. Unfortunately, scammers know students are eager for financial help and target them with fake opportunities that sound too good...

How to Save Money on College Textbooks (Legally)

College is already expensive enough—tuition, housing, meal plans, and yes, those infamous textbooks. The average college student spends over $1,200 a year on books and supplies, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few smart (and totally legal) strategies, you...

Buenaventura Scholarship

CCSD Nevada High school seniors who have completed three years or more of a foreign language and have a 3.1 or higher GPA. Student must be planning to attend UNR as a full time student. One scholarship in the amount of $500.00 will be awarded.Scholarship Sponsor The...

Heinlein Society Scholarship

Three $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to undergraduate students of accredited 4-year colleges and universities. The “Virginia Heinlein Memorial Scholarship” is dedicated to a female candidate majoring in engineering, math, or biological or physical...

Dr Barbara Odom-Wesley Spirit of Achievement Scholarship

The Spirit of Achievement Scholarship was named to honor Dr. Odom-Wesley for her commitment and passion for education and her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha. Scholarship applicants must be an African-American female high school senior currently attending classes in the...

United Health Foundation Diverse Scholars Initiative

The United Health Foundation in partnership with UNCF has established a multi-year renewable scholarship program open to students attending any accredited four-year college or university giving preference to students enrolled at one of the 37 UNCF member institutions....

Horatio Alger National Scholarship

The Horatio Alger National Scholarship Program specifically assists high school students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their young lives. Scholarship Sponsor Horatio Alger AssociationAward Type $25,000 CashGender Eligibility AllOther...

AEF Scholarship

Ascend Educational Fund awards scholarships to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school to attend public or private colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status....

The LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships

LAGRANT Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship recipients will receive a trip to NYC where they will participate in career building activities including a welcome dinner with a keynote speaker, two daylong career & professional development workshops and a...

NCTA/AWMF Scholarship

To be eligible for the NCTA/AWMF Scholarship, applicants must submit a project concept based on the internet and television industry, cable operators, content providers, or affiliated vendors, and include a statement about why they believe the topic to be important. A...

Nebraska Democratic Women’s Caucus Inspiring Women Scholarship

The Nebraska Democratic Women's Caucus Inspiring Women Scholarship is awarded to Nebraska Democratic women who are active in their communities and progressive politics. Scholarship Sponsor Nebraska Democratic Women’s CaucusAward Type $500 CashGender Eligibility...

TACTYC Scholarships

Teachers of Accounting at Two Year Colleges (TACTYC) is pleased to announce several scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each for students majoring in Accounting. Two types of awards are offered - for two year college students transferring to a four-year college, and...

Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance Scholarship – Bellevue Chapter

The Bellevue chapter of AFWA awards scholarships annually to help students advance their accounting and finance education. Full or part-time students in the Puget Sound Region attending colleges, universities, vocational or technical schools and pursuing a degree in...

Interior Design Creative Scholarship

College bound seniors living in Clark County, Nevada who plan to attend UNLV to study Interior Architecture & Design may apply for this scholarship. Student may be a senior at a charter, private, or CCSD high school. One $600 scholarship will be awarded.Scholarship...

AMWA Haffizulla Family Scholarship

The Haffizulla Family Scholarship Fund was founded by former AMWA President Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla. This scholarship is meant to perpetuate the involvement of young leaders in disease prevention and national health and wellness.Scholarship Sponsor American Medical...

Chris Andersen WomenLead Scholarship

WomenLead recognizes the need for diverse leadership in ministry, nonprofits and civic organizations and accelerates the extraordinary leadership of diverse women of faith to lead change by using their talents to educate, advocate, and activate. Two educational...

Jesse L. Jackson-Fellows Toyota Scholarship

The Jesse Jackson Fellows-Toyota Scholarship is a renewable scholarship that awards up to $25,000 dollars annually to deserving African-American college sophomores. Scholarship Sponsor Push Excel Award Type $25,00 Cash Gender Eligibility AllOther Requirements/Criteria...

Financial Aid Options for DACA and Undocumented Students￼