For some parents, access to education is a concern they face every day. This is the fear of many undocumented families and students that are misled or not informed about college opportunities in the United States. Unfortunately, undocumented families are not informed about the universities that welcome undocumented students.
This post is the continuation of another post where I address college opportunities misconceptions that undocumented individuals experience because of their immigration status. The first post, titled undocumented students and the college process discusses how families and students may apply for colleges in the United States.
Identified and former English language learners are students often left behind and uninformed about the college application process. As a result, undocumented immigrants hesitate and avoid asking questions. Additionally, in many cases, miss important application deadlines.
Remember that private and public institutions may institute different admissions processes. Some schools may choose to use the FAFSA form as part of their application process and others may not. The FAFSA form is mainly used to figure out financial aid assistance. Students with a social security number, such as DACA students, can submit the FAFSA form.
The FAFSA form is an online application that determines financial eligibility and student loans using federal funding guidelines. The application process can look different for college applicants because eligibility depends on who in the family is undocumented. My previous post discusses what to do:
- If both parents and the student are undocumented
- If only the parents are undocumented
Who Can Help
It is never too early to prepare for the college application process. Thus, for undocumented families, college planning should begin even earlier. The application process can be a lengthy and complicated process that students may need help with. Fortunately, several school officials and organizations can help.
Parents and students should contact their ESL teachers and school counselors to figure out college options early. Additionally, families shall contact college admission counselors and local immigration and education agencies to help figure out the college application process.
What to Do
Students should first find out whether their local universities and colleges accept undocumented students. Families can start by making a list of community colleges or universities that welcome undocumented immigrants. For instance, a student can begin to track which schools allow them to pay in-state tuition rates. Furthermore, families should also track which schools may offer scholarship funds. At times, it may be necessary to call or email a school to ask these types of questions.
Organize your search by making a list using this free checklist. Use the below form to request and download the checklist. The form will help you keep track of states and universities during research.
Below is a list of postsecondary institutions that welcome undocumented students. You’ll also find a list of states that charge in-state tuition rates for undocumented students who meet attendance and graduation requirements from an in-state high school.
Schools that offer in-state tuition rates
The below schools have policies that offer in-state tuition to undocumented students. These schools allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates when other requirements are met. Such requirements may include attending and graduating from a high school in that state.
- The University of Hawaii Board of Regents
- Kentucky Council on Post-secondary Education
- University of Maine Board of Trustees
- University of Michigan Board of Regents
- Ohio Board of Regents
- Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
- Rhode Island’s Board of Governors for Higher Education
- In Delaware: Delaware Technical Community College and the University of Delaware
States that allow DACA Students to be eligible for financial aid
Several states allow DACA students to be eligible for financial aid. For instance, these states include:
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- New Jersey – New Jersey City University
- Oregon
- Washington
States that offer financial assistance to undocumented students
In addition, there as several states that offer financial assistance to undocumented students:
| California | New Mexico |
| Connecticut | New York |
| Hawaii | Oregon |
| Maryland | Texas |
| Minnesota | Washington |
| New Jersey |
States that allow in-state tuition benefits
These states offer in-state tuition benefits:
| California | Nebraska |
| Colorado | New Jersey |
| Connecticut | New Mexico |
| District of Columbia | New York |
| Florida | Oregon |
| Illinois | Texas |
| Kansas | Utah |
| Maryland | Washington |
| Minnesota |
Sources and websites with guidance and information
Several organizations provide resources to support and orient undocumented students in the United States. Generally, these agencies offer this guidance free of charge to families. Please note that this list does not include all available websites or organizations that support undocumented students.
- National Conference of State Legislatures
- College Guide for Undocumented Students
- United We Dream
- The Dream US
Please feel free to share any other websites you may be aware of to add to this list. The above resources do not guarantee entrance to a university. However, the states and universities mentioned here welcome undocumented students. Some of the above universities provide access to organizations that support undocumented students.
States that ban unauthorized immigrant students from in-state tuition benefits
The final list provides a list of states that ban unauthorized immigrant students from in-state tuition benefits. This is an important list because if you live in one of these states, you’ll know right away if your state provides you with college opportunities. These states are Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, and South Carolina.
Conclusion
Several colleges welcome undocumented students. Access thedream.us to see a list of universities that welcome undocumented students in each state that partner with organizations that offers scholarships to undocumented immigrants. Please feel free to leave a comment sharing any relevant information to add or remove from this list as necessary. I hope that this information supports your interest in education. Good luck!
