College Scholarships for DACA and Undocumented Students – Bestcolleges.com
It’s unclear how many undocumented immigrants live in the U.S., but recent reports put the estimated number at close to 11 million. As of 2023, only about 530,000 of these immigrants have protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
When it comes to financing an education, undocumented students cannot access federal financial aid, which forces them to look for funding alternatives. Thankfully, numerous scholarship opportunities are available to support undocumented students in pursuing their educational goals.
If you’re interested in learning more about these opportunities, this page can help you access valuable resources for your academic journey.
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According to numbers compiled by the Higher Ed Immigration Portal in 2022, roughly 100,000 undocumented students graduate from high schools across the country each year. With federal financial aid out of reach, state and private scholarships for undocumented students can become especially valuable.
Although some states do not offer government-funded scholarships for undocumented students, many states do offer different types of financial aid to undocumented learners.
Additionally, many private scholarships do not require U.S. citizenship for eligibility. This gives undocumented students a chance to apply for financial awards.
Scholarships for undocumented students are a great way to pay for school. Since these students cannot apply for federal aid, they should check for private, state, and school scholarships. Loans and payment plans may also be available.
Yes. State and institutional funding sources provide many scholarships for undocumented students. Additionally, many private scholarships do not require proof of citizenship.
Scholarships for undocumented students typically follow a standard application process. Applicants must gather their high school transcripts and complete all application requirements. In many cases, these scholarships simply avoid asking for proof of citizenship, though some may require proof of DACA status.
Undocumented students cannot qualify for federal funding. However, a completed FAFSA could still help learners access state funding opportunities. Degree-seekers should also look for private and state scholarships for undocumented students. Some schools may provide institutional funds for DACA and undocumented students.
Although DACA students do not qualify for federal student aid, many funding options may still be available. For example, some states do offer state funding to DACA recipients. Additionally, students may qualify for various grants, scholarships, and college loans, depending on their financial need or other eligibility requirements. Finally, some employers support DACA recipients.
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