Can DACA Students Go To College?

Figuring out college in the U.S. can feel stressful and overwhelming if you are undocumented, even as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Not only can DACA students not qualify for federal student aid, but there are restrictions in certain states that make it more difficult to attend college in the first place.

That said, DACA students can still pursue their higher education dreams if they navigate the system and research ways to get financial help. As a DACA student, you have plenty of options, which might depend on the state you live in.

Can DACA recipients apply for FAFSA?

While DACA students do not meet the requirements for federal student aid, the U.S. Department of Education says they may be eligible for private scholarships, state aid and financial aid for college, career and trade schools. Accessing some of this aid is possible through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students need a Social Security Number (SSN) to create an account on StudentAid.gov to start the application process. If you do not have an SSN, reach out to the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to see if you’re eligible to receive one. Those who have an SSN can file the FAFSA for each year of school after creating an account.

States granting aid to DACA students

DACA recipients can apply to almost any institution of higher education they want to attend, but some states have restrictions around the type of school and the tuition options DACA students have access to:

If you’re a DACA student considering college, it may be worth reaching out to your prospective school to ask about your options. Many schools have resource centers for undocumented students, and these centers can help guide you through the specifics of your school’s application and assess your eligibility.

State-based aid

According to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal, 24 states, as well as the District of Columbia, allow certain undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities. Among them, 19 states and Washington D.C. let undocumented students apply for (and receive) state-based financial aid.

To apply for this aid, DACA students should fill out the FAFSA. While the FAFSA does ask if the student applicant is a U.S. citizen, parental citizenship status is not required. If your parents do not have an SSN because they are undocumented immigrants, you can select a box that says they don’t have an SSN when filling out your contributors’ information.

The Higher Ed Immigration Portal also rates individual states based on their assistance and accessibility when it comes to financial aid for undocumented students. The following explanations reveal what each rating type means.

Comprehensive access

States with comprehensive access offer in-state tuition for undocumented students while also letting them access state-based financial aid for college.

Accessible

Accessible states allow in-state tuition for undocumented students.

Limited

Schools considered “limited” provide in-state tuition at some institutions of higher education, but not all.

Limited to DACA

These states offer in-state tuition to DACA students only.

No state policy

A handful of U.S. states do not have a specific policy for in-state tuition or financial aid when it comes to undocumented students.

Restrictive

Restrictive states actively block access to in-state tuition for undocumented students, including DACA students.

Prohibitive environment

These states prohibit undocumented students from enrolling in all or some of their public colleges.

3 Financial aid options for DACA students

1. School-based financial aid

By filling out the FAFSA, you’ll also have the chance to earn school-specific aid, such as grants and scholarships, since this type of aid is typically dispersed based on financial need. Schools will have their own criteria for what type of aid DACA students are eligible for, but you can always reach out to your school’s financial aid office if you have questions.

2. Private and foundation scholarships

Many private and foundation scholarships are open to DACA students. Scholarships are a great first step to take for financial aid since they don’t need to be repaid, and earning several scholarships can cut down your tuition bill significantly.

You’ll find an array of scholarships for DACA recipients online, and you can access these by doing a Google search or using a scholarship search engine. The amount of funding available and eligibility requirements can vary widely.

Examples of scholarships for DACA students include:

3. Private student loans

Depending on the lender, DACA students can qualify for private student loans. Private student loans tend to have competitive interest rates and flexible repayment plans though they don’t come with federal student loan protections like deferment and forbearance or access to income-driven repayment plans.

If you’re a DACA student considering private student loans, you will likely need to apply with a cosigner who is a U.S. citizen and has good credit to qualify for private funding. This person agrees to pay back the loan if you can’t. You may also want to explore international student loans.

Bottom line

DACA recipients have hurdles to overcome if they plan to attend college, but this doesn’t mean that higher education is out of reach. Many states have made it easier for undocumented students to secure in-state tuition rates, and a range of aid options are available for those who apply.

If you’re a DACA recipient, start by filling out the FAFSA and reaching out to any potential colleges on your list — speaking with a school representative can help you approach the application with confidence.