Some 98,000 undocumented high school students graduate each year. But few graduate with a four-year degree. That isn’t the case anymore, not least for Dreamers on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Dreamers are those who came to the US as children illegally. These students are lucky to have access to some state and city scholarships these days so that they can still get into college.
In this guide, we will explain what scholarships are out there for DACA recipients and undocumented students who are interested in attending college. Federal financial assistance is still unavailable for DACA students, but many other sources are open.
DACA Student State-Level Scholarships & Assistance
The federal government doesn’t provide federal funding for DACA students, but there is a wealth of assistance provided by states and local governments. DACA recipients in some states receive in-state tuition — generally much less than out-of-state tuition. This depends on the state and college, so be sure to ask those schools you’re interested in for more details.
FAFSA and Social Security Number (SSN)
Most states and colleges want you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) but here’s the kicker: FAFSA requires your Social Security number (SSN). The good news is that the vast majority of DACA recipients can get an SSN. You can apply for one through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you don’t have one already. You don’t need to be a citizen of your parent’s country to get an SSN, and the application is simple.
17 U.S. states permit DACA recipients and undocumented students to attend tuition in-state, as of 2020. That can dramatically lower the total cost of college. You can find a breakdown of tuition assistance by state for DACA students on helpful sites such as this map.
Scholarships for DACA Students
Alongside state grants, many scholarships and grants are also given to DACA students and other illegal students. These scholarships can be used for tuition fees, textbooks, and educational-related expenses. Here are a few of the more well-known scholarship programs Dreamers can apply to (in alphabetical order):
1. Ascend Education Fund
It’s a nonprofit that supports immigrant students – whether they’re male, female, or legal – who want to study in college. Ascend Education Fund: Ascend Education Fund provides funding to assist immigrant families achieve their educational and career aspirations.
2. California Dream Act
California Dream Act: Student financial aid from the state to eligible California colleges, universities and career programs. Dreamers need to apply each year to be considered for funding.
3. The Dream.US
It gives grants to qualified Dreamers who are interested in going to college. Their large number are either DACA holders or have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which allows them to live and work in the United States. Participating colleges also have advisors to support students.
4. Golden Door Scholars
Golden Door Scholars is a scholarship program for DACA students, TPS students and other undocumented students. The one requirement is that applicants must not be in-state tuition eligible in their state.
5. Hispanic Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund grants merit-based scholarships to DACA students who are Hispanic or Latino. The scholarships are available at every level of education from high school to graduate school.
6. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship is a general education fund awarding $40,000 annually to undergraduates. Eligibility isn’t based on immigration status, so DACA students are eligible.
7. PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship
PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship: Up to $5,000 in financial aid is awarded to Latino students in California and Arizona. ‘You can apply from any student with any immigration history.
8. The Point Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is for LGBTQIA+ students and DACA students. It gives scholarships to students who are LGBTQIA+.
9. The New York State DREAM Act.
DACA students and other immigrants can also be eligible for state-based aid under the New York State DREAM Act in New York. This makes students get grants, scholarships and other resources to study.
10. Ques, tBridge
QuestBridge is a non-profit that partners with universities to offer scholarships to underprivileged students, DACA recipients included. The programme goes from high school to college for the first job.
Other Resources for DACA Students
Not only scholarships, but you can pay for your education using other means. Some useful platforms and programs DACA students might check out:
1. Private Lenders
-Many private companies offer DACA recipients student loans (which might require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident co-signer). Be sure to shop around for the most favorable terms and ask the lender about immigration status.
2. Higher Ed Immigration Portal
The Higher Ed Immigration Portal is a great tool to access data, policy and resources for DACA, undocumented, refugee, and immigrant students. Here is a good site to get started with information on legal protections and training.
3. Office of Student Privacy, United States Department of Education
For those who are worried about what you are allowed or not to disclose to schools, there are some good guidelines from the Student Privacy Office of the U.S. Department of Education regarding student privacy and what you can and cannot be asked about your immigration status.
Federal financial aid does not cover college for DACA students, but there are plenty of ways to pay for college. State tuition subsidies to scholarship programs are available to Dreamers to help fund college. The trick is to get started, do your research and try to get as many scholarships as you can.
