Undocumented Students Can Go to College!
By Jose Arreola, from I'm First Guide to College
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| Undocumented Students Can Go to College Designed by Fred Hidalgo |
Here is some advice and guidance in your pursuit of college and citizenship. Be sure to also check out College Greenlight's resources for undocumented students.
Applying to College:
- All students, regardless of immigration status, can apply to college. Your college applications will be processed even if you don't provide your social security number, citizenship, and residency status. The confidentiality of your educational records--application and financial aid forms--is guaranteed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which covers both high schools and colleges. This means that your college and/or high school can't tell others about your documentation status in order to get you in trouble.
- Are you or your parents undocumented? Find information about the FAFSA by clicking on the following: I am undocumented or my parents are undocumented.
Scholarships and Financial Aid:
- We have seen a tremendous amount of movement over the past couple of years with regard to financial aid made available to undocumented students. We now have 18 states that recognize in-state tuition for undocumented students and a few other states that are working on legislation for in-state tuition. We also have 5 states which offer state financial aid: California, Illinois, Texas, New Mexico, and Minnesota.
Other Ways to Make College Affordable:
- While immigration status may mean you are not eligible for federal financial aid, there are plenty of private scholarships which you can apply for. Start your research early and keep it ongoing. Check out 10,000 Degrees and Golden Door for opportunities that you might want to apply for.
- Even if you aren't eligible to fill out the FAFSA, you can fill out the CSS Profile for participating schools to receive aid from individual institutions.
- Research private colleges and universities and local community colleges. Private institutions often have more aid to give non-citizens because their budgets are not mandated by the government. Community colleges can be a more affordable way to get your education started.
- If you are eligible to work, find a part-time job while in high school to save money. When you apply or college, ask about your eligibility for work-study programs.
- This program provides eligible undocumented young people who entered into the U.S. before age 16 with a two-year work authorization and protection from deportation. There are hundreds of thousands of undocumented young people who are currently eligible, but have not yet applied. With DACA approval, you are able to receive a social security number and a driver's license.
- Due to the cost of accessing an immigration lawyer and the distrust that exists within many communities due to experiences with fraudulent individuals and "notarios," many do not have a sense of their own immigration cases or about legal remedies that do exist currently. Check out Educators for Fair Consideration to find credible information.
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