Although undocumented students and DACA recipients without SSNs are not eligible to complete the FAFSA or receive federal financial aid, there are some states that offer state-based financial aid to help students pay for college. If you’re an undocumented student or DACA student without an SSN or are otherwise ineligible to complete the FAFSA, read more to learn if your state offers its own financial aid application! 

California

The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) is open to undocumented students, DACA recipients (both valid and expired), U Visa holders, and students with Temporary Protected Status. Before completing the CADAA, it’s important to finalize your eligibility for AB 540 with your college. Without this, you will not be eligible to receive in-state tuition and state-based financial aid!

Colorado

In Colorado, undocumented and Colorado ASSET Students (Colorado’s Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) should complete the CASFA, or Colorado Application for State Financial Aid. Even if you don’t qualify for ASSET– allowing you to receive in-state tuition at Colorado State University– you should still complete the CASFA to receive other types of aid!

Connecticut

The AACTUS application provides institutional aid to undocumented/DACA students in Connecticut. If you’re applying to CT State Universities or Community Colleges, 

fill out a paper AACTUS application to be mailed or handed into your school’s financial aid office. If you’re applying to the University of Connecticut, complete the application online. 

Illinois

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students to apply for state financial aid, specifically Illinois’ Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants. These grants help students pay to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs. 

Maryland

The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) is open to students who are not able to complete the FAFSA. By filling out the application, students can qualify for in-state tuition and certain types of state-based financial aid. To complete the MSFAA, you must create an MDCAPS account. If you are an undocumented student, enter all zeros in the SSN field.

Minnesota

Undocumented students can apply for state financial aid by completing the MN Dream Act- State Financial Aid Application online. With this application, eligible students are able to receive in-state resident tuition at public Minnesota colleges and universities, state-based financial aid, and privately funded financial aid through individual colleges and universities.

Nevada

Undocumented/DACA students may qualify for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, the Silver State Opportunity Grant, and the Nevada Promise Scholarship. Students must go to the financial aid office at their school and work with them to be considered for these financial aid programs. Many Nevada colleges and universities also have institutional financial aid programs students can apply for. 

New Jersey

The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application is open to students in New Jersey who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, but attended a New Jersey high school for at least three years, graduated from a New Jersey high school, and are working to legalize their immigration status. Students can apply for state financial aid through the NJ Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS).

New Mexico

New Mexico provides eligible undocumented/DACA students with access to state financial aid at public postsecondary institutions. To apply, students need to print a copy of the FAFSA, complete it, and mail it (or hand it in) to the financial aid office at their college or university. Access to state-based financial aid is available to all students in New Mexico, regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet the residency requirements for in-state tuition.

New York

The DREAM Act provides access to the Excelsior Scholarship, Tuition Assistance Program, and other state-based scholarships for New York students that are without lawful immigration status, have DACA status, and/or Temporary Protective Status. To apply, students should complete the NYS DREAM Act Application. Applicants without lawful immigration status will not be asked for their home address and will not have to upload any financial records.

Oregon

The ORSAA, or Oregon Student Aid Application, is an alternative to the FAFSA for Oregon residents that are undocumented, are DACA recipients, and/or have Temporary Protective Status. By applying, students can receive financial aid through state-based grants, scholarships, and tuition reduction. 

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Alternative Application for State Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance is open exclusively to undocumented students. The completed application must be mailed or hand-delivered to your school’s financial aid office to be processed. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing the application early is recommended.

Texas

The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used by some colleges and universities in Texas to provide financial aid to students who cannot complete the FAFSA, but are classified as Texas residents by the college they plan to attend. Before beginning the application, contact the school you plan to attend to verify your eligibility to submit the TASFA.

Utah

HB 144 allows eligible undocumented students access to in-state tuition at a Utah college or university. To be eligible, students must meet three specific requirements to establish Utah residency, have filed (or will file) an application to legalize their immigration status, and complete the HB144 Utah Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit online.

Virginia

The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) is the state application available to Virginia students who are ineligible to submit the FAFSA. After completing the VASA, contact your college for more assistance and to ensure your eligibility for in-state tuition.

Washington

The state of Washington provides undocumented/DACA students access to financial aid by completing the WASFA. To find out if you qualify for any financial aid, complete the free application and send it to the colleges or programs on your list. The WAFSA can be completed and renewed online.

Washington D.C.

Although Washington D.C. does not have a separate application, UDC DREAM Amendment Act, Act 21-650 allows undocumented/DACA students to receive in-state tuition and local financial aid as long as they qualify for residency. To qualify, students must have attended high school in D.C. for three years, graduated from a high school in the District, or received an equivalent diploma. Reach out to your college’s financial aid office for assistance.

Looking for more financial aid? Check out our hand-picked list of scholarships for undocumented/DACA students! Have any questions about receiving financial aid as an undocumented student? Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!