5 answers
Asked
672 views
Can undocumented students receive Institutional and state aid for college
Is institutional aid available to anyone regardless of immigration status? According to the fafsa it says that undocumented students may be eligible for college or state aid. Is college aid institutional aid? # #financial-aid #college
Login to comment
5 answers
Updated
Ro’s Answer
Please be aware that many "undocumented" programs are often applicable to students that qualify as "Dreamers" or DACA recipients. If you are another kind of undocumented or illegal immigrant, you should definitely consult with a trusted source or immigration consultant, or visit your school's immigration department and financial aid department for clarification. State and Federal aid are usually available for residents/citizens, so if there is a program that is offered, I think it would be great to pursue it - Just get all the information beforehand. Best of luck! I know college can be expensive, so it's great that you're being proactive and searching for assistance programs.
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hey Oscar!
I think for common cases, there are often more restrictions on getting federal aid for undocumented students. However, there are more chances for undocumented students to qualify for state aids depending on each state. There are extended scholarships and aids specific for undocumented students out there so please don't get discouraged and give up on the search! It can be really frustrating but you got this.
I'll include some example websites that have financial resources for undocumented students below.
http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/
https://thebestschools.org/college-finances/financial-aid-undocumented-students/
I think for common cases, there are often more restrictions on getting federal aid for undocumented students. However, there are more chances for undocumented students to qualify for state aids depending on each state. There are extended scholarships and aids specific for undocumented students out there so please don't get discouraged and give up on the search! It can be really frustrating but you got this.
I'll include some example websites that have financial resources for undocumented students below.
Alexis recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Alexandra’s Answer
If you are undocumented but admitted to a school, you can attempt to obtain an F-1 student visa. The college or university should give you the paperwork to do it and you can attempt to adjust your status. You would be available for scholarships but most likely not the state or federal ones.
You can learn more here about the F-1 visa.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
You can learn more here about the F-1 visa.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
Updated
Esmeralda’s Answer
Good question Oscar! Every state is different, I am a current student who is attending a Texas university and I am fortunate to receive the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). This is a financial aid from the federal government provided to non citizens who are Texas residents . Of course, other states do follow a similar path, while others only provide Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) for citizens.
I also want to let you know that if you are a DACA high school student applying to a university( or a transfer student from a community college doing the same) apply to the DreamUS National scholarship. They will pay for full tuition and provide assistance for your textbooks. I will provide the link below :) best of luck
https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/
I also want to let you know that if you are a DACA high school student applying to a university( or a transfer student from a community college doing the same) apply to the DreamUS National scholarship. They will pay for full tuition and provide assistance for your textbooks. I will provide the link below :) best of luck
https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/
Do they have to leave the country to get student visa though?
Oscar
Updated
Jason’s Answer
These rules can change depending on who is in position at the federal and state levels in addition to if you are looking at a publicly funded college or private.
Either way, if I am wondering, I would recommend calling the office of financial aid and simply ask your question. There are a lot of funds out there for literally everyone.
Either way, if I am wondering, I would recommend calling the office of financial aid and simply ask your question. There are a lot of funds out there for literally everyone.