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 state 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. Quest, bridge
QuestBridge is a non-profit that partners with universities to offer scholarships to underprivileged students, DACA recipients included. The program 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.
How can I apply for the Opportunity Scholarship
To apply for the Opportunity Scholarship, follow these steps:
Create a MyPortal Account:
Go to MyPortal and create an account. This platform will be used for your application and to receive notifications regarding your application status. It’s recommended to create your account as early as December.
Application Period:
The application for the 2025-2026 school year will open from February 1 to March 1, 2025. You can apply at any time during this window; there is no advantage to applying on the first day.
Complete the Application:
After creating your MyPortal account, add your student(s) and complete the application(s). If you are applying for multiple students, submit a separate application for each while entering the same household size and income for all.
Check Notifications:
Regularly check MyPortal for notifications about eligibility and award amounts. Notifications will be sent out in early April.
Accept or Decline Award:
If you receive an award offer, you will need to accept or decline it in MyPortal by the specified deadline.
Verification Process:
Be prepared for potential income or residency verification from mid-April to July 1, 2025.
Are there any scholarships specifically for DACA students in STEM fields
There are several scholarships available specifically for DACA students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Here are some notable options:
MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship
- Eligibility: Female international and DACA students enrolled or accepted to study full-time in a STEM degree program at a U.S. or Canadian institution supported by MPOWER.
- Award Amount: Up to $6,000, with additional honorable mentions of $2,000 and $1,000.
- Deadline: June 30, 2024.
TheDream.US National Scholarship
- Eligibility: Undocumented students under 16, including those with DACA status, who are high school seniors or college freshmen in specific states.
- Award Amount: Up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
- Deadline: January 2024.
MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to all international and DACA students accepted to or enrolled in a full-time college degree program.
- Award Amount: Grand Prize of $10,000; Runner-Up awards of $2,000 each.
- Deadline: July 31, 2025.
Golden Door Scholars
- Eligibility: Students with financial need and high GPAs pursuing undergraduate degrees in career-ready majors, including STEM fields.
- Award Amount: Covers four-year tuition, room, and board at a partner school.
- Deadline: October 1, 2024.
Simple AI and Technology Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in accepted majors such as Computer Science and Math.
- Award Amount: $7,500.
- Deadline: December 31.
How can I apply for the Dream.US National Scholarship
To apply for the Dream.US National Scholarship, follow these steps:
Application Timeline
- Application Period: The application for the 2025-2026 scholarship cycle opens on November 1, 2024, and closes on February 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time.
Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible if you meet the following requirements:
- Immigration Status: Undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS), can apply. You do not need to have DACA or TPS to be eligible.
- Age of Arrival: You must have arrived in the U.S. before your 16th birthday and have resided in the country for at least five years prior to the application opening date.
- Academic Requirements: A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required. You should be a graduating high school senior, a GED recipient, or a current college student.
- Financial Need: Applicants must demonstrate significant financial need.
Application Process
- Visit the Application Portal: Go to the official Dream.US scholarship website to access the application form.
- Complete the Application: Fill out all required sections, including personal information, educational background, and financial details.
- Essay Requirement: Prepare and submit an essay as part of your application. Specific prompts will be provided in the application guidelines.
- Submit Supporting Documents: Ensure you include any necessary documentation that supports your eligibility and financial need.
Additional Information
- The scholarship provides substantial financial support, covering tuition and fees for up to four years for first-time college students or two years for community college graduates, with additional funds for books and supplies.
- If you have previously received the Dream.US scholarship, you are not eligible to reapply.
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.
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