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:
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Private scholarships
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State-based grants and tuition assistance (in some states)
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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
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TheDream.US
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Award: Up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree
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Eligibility: DACA or TPS status; must attend a partner college
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Golden Door Scholars
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Award: Full tuition for high-achieving undocumented students
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Eligibility: DACA or undocumented status; strong academics
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Hispanic Scholarship Fund
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Award: $500–$5,000
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Eligibility: Open to DACA students of Hispanic heritage
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Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
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Award: Up to $55,000/year for transfer students
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Eligibility: Citizenship not required; highly competitive
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Where to Search for More
Use scholarship databases that let you filter by eligibility:
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Cappex
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MyUndocumentedLife.org
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Immigrants Rising
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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:
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Colorado
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Utah
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Illinois
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New Jersey
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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
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Admissions or Financial Aid Websites: Look for dedicated “undocumented student” pages.
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Undocumented Student Resource Centers: Many campuses have them with tailored support.
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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
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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.
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Gather Your Docs Early: Many private scholarships require transcripts, essays, and proof of financial need.
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Get Letters of Recommendation: These can make a huge difference, especially when competing for private scholarships.
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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:
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TheDream.US
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National Immigration Law Center
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Immigrants Rising
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California Student Aid Commission
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Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board