We understand the process of applying to college as an undocumented student can feel confusing or overwhelming at times, but we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll break down the college and financial aid application process for undocumented students by answering commonly asked questions.

Policies and programs for undocumented students, especially around college admissions and financial aid, have changed in recent months and may continue to shift. We recommend checking the most up-to-date information directly from your state or college, and connecting with an advisor if you’re unsure. This article offers general guidance to help you get started.

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Applying to College

Is it safe to identify myself as undocumented when I apply to college?

Generally speaking, yes, it is typically safe to share your undocumented status when applying to most colleges, especially nonprofit and public institutions (with the possible exception of for-profit colleges). Colleges are bound by federal privacy laws (like FERPA), which protect your information from being shared without your consent. It can also be helpful to disclose your status so that colleges can connect you with financial aid options, support programs, and scholarships that may be available to undocumented students. However, if you're concerned, consider reaching out to a trusted college advisor or immigrant rights organization before applying.

Does being undocumented affect my chances of being admitted to college?

Not necessarily! According to the National Association of College Admission Counseling, "The majority of colleges and universities in the U.S. will consider undocumented students for admission. [...] Most colleges accept students regardless of their legal status."

Can I get college application fee waivers as an undocumented student?

Yes! If you and your family meet income eligibility requirements, you can request application fee waivers. You can typically access these fee waivers through your high school counselor. If you registered for the SAT and qualified for a fee waiver, you are automatically eligible to receive a college application fee waiver at participating colleges. Students can also request waivers from individual colleges directly, especially if they’re not taking the SAT exam. 

Note: Not all colleges accept application fee waivers, so be sure to check in with the schools you’re applying to.

Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Can I fill out the FAFSA and receive federal financial aid as an undocumented student?

Unfortunately, no, since FAFSA completion requires a student to have a Social Security number. However, you may still be eligible for state and institutional aid depending on where you live. Many states have their own state-based aid application form, such as California’s Dream Act Application, Texas’ Application For State Financial Aid (TASFA), or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). Learn more about your state’s financial aid policies here.

My parents are undocumented but I’m a U.S. citizen. Can I complete the FAFSA and receive federal financial aid?

Yes! If you’re a dependent student and a U.S. citizen, you can complete the FAFSA using your Social Security number—even if your parents are undocumented. Your parents’ citizenship status does not affect your eligibility for federal financial aid. 

They’ll be listed as “Contributors” on your FAFSA and must each create a StudentAid.gov account (formerly known as an FSA ID) . If they don’t have a Social Security number, they can still access the FAFSA immediately after logging in—they’ll manually enter their financial information and electronically sign the form. In most cases, no delay is required. In rare situations where automated identity verification doesn’t work, they may be asked to complete a manual identity verification later—but you can still submit the FAFSA without waiting.

Do I qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges as an undocumented student?

It varies by state. While a handful of states allow undocumented students access to in-state tuition, others don’t. Click here to learn more about your state’s policies.

Will I lose my financial aid package if my DACA expires?

No, state-funded and institution-awarded financial aid is generally unaffected by an expired DACA status. These forms of aid are based on your residency, academic merit, or campus-specific criteria—not immigration status. However, aid tied to employment (like assistantships or work-study jobs) may require valid authorization to work. Always confirm with your school’s financial aid or human resources office directly. And if you rely on DACA-based aid, stay informed—shifting policies and federal investigations may impact those programs over time.

What scholarships are available to me as an undocumented student?

Check out this page for a list of scholarships that don’t have citizenship requirements. Depending on what state you live in and what college you attend, state and institutional scholarships may be available to you. Generally, when searching for scholarships, if there’s no citizenship requirement, you can usually assume you’re eligible to apply.

Be sure to also use our free Scholarship Finder, where we regularly share scholarships for undocumented students and DACA recipients! 

Have any more questions about applying to college as an undocumented student? Text #College 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!