The Best Schools for Undocumented Students
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Undocumented students, immigrant students, and refugees have a constitutionally protected right to public education in the United States, including the right to seek college admission.
In 2019, 10.5 million undocumented immigrants lived in the United States. Of those, 700,000 are DREAMers. Every year, tens of thousands of undocumented high schoolers earn their diplomas, and many want to attend college. However, navigating higher education as an undocumented college student can feel overwhelming.
We created this series to help undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, find the right colleges, thrive on campus, and earn their degrees safely. Throughout the series, we address the admissions process for undocumented applicants, legal and practical challenges of enrolling as an undocumented college student, and how to access financial aid as an undocumented learner.
Colleges for Undocumented Students
Every year, nearly 100,000 undocumented immigrants graduate from high schools in the U.S. Many of those students go on to college. Today, more than 454,000 undocumented immigrants attend U.S. colleges and universities, accounting for about 2% of the total number of students in higher education.
Undocumented students have a legal right to attend many public colleges in many states, but even there, choosing a college while undocumented immigrant poses several challenges. Our guide to colleges for undocumented students offers tips for choosing the right state for college, finding sanctuary campuses, and navigating the legal and practical challenges of college.
Online Colleges for Undocumented Students
As an undocumented student, you face a unique set of challenges when searching for an inclusive learning environment, financing your college education without access to federal aid, and locating critical support services that can help you succeed.
Online colleges and graduate programs are well suited to undocumented and immigrant students seeking secure, affordable, and inclusive learning conditions. However, acclimating to online college comes with its own set of challenges.
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
The financial aid system can feel overwhelming for an undocumented student, especially with federal financial aid off the table, but persistence pays off. Access to state financial aid varies depending on the state and the student’s legal status, but undocumented students also qualify for many private loans and scholarships.
Our guide to financial aid for undocumented students explains which students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), how financial aid works for DACA recipients, and what states guarantee in-state tuition rates for undocumented students. Our guide also includes scholarship opportunities available to undocumented learners.
How Colleges Can Help Undocumented Students
Undocumented students aren’t alone on college campuses. Their fellow students and their colleges can help in many different ways. This guide explores how colleges, educators, and classmates can support undocumented college students.
Check out this resource to educate yourself on immigration law in higher education, learn how to support undocumented students, and become an advocate for undocumented learners. It also includes tips for colleges on creating a culturally inclusive educational environment and providing student services for multilingual students.
Support, Advocacy, and Resources for Undocumented Students
Many organizations, networks, and advocacy groups will help undocumented students navigate the process of applying to college, adjusting to campus life, exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities, and earning degrees.
Our support, advocacy, and resources guide connects students with advocacy networks, legal support organizations, and scholarship opportunities for undocumented students. It also includes support networks and resources designed for immigrant and undocumented students.