FAFSA, Financial Aid, & Scholarships: How to Pay for College as an Undocumented Student

By Stephanie Secaira, Assistant College Counselor

As an undocumented student, the traditional ways of funding a college education may not be attainable. Some undocumented students do not qualify for state and federal aid or private scholarships. However, there are many ways to approach the financial aid and scholarship process that can help you get the aid you need to attend college! 

Can undocumented students apply for FAFSA? 

Undocumented students are ineligible for FAFSA because if you complete a FAFSA form, an Social Security Number or SSN is required to create a username and password called the FSA ID. Only DACA students with SSNs can complete the FAFSA form. To find more information on obtaining an SSN, visit ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10009.pdf. 

Does a parent's status impact financial aid? 

According to the official FAFSA website, a parent's citizenship status does not impact the student's eligibility for federal student aid. Parents cannot create an FSA ID but can fill the SSN section with 0's and are only required to fill in their state of residence. For more specific situation questions, head over to FAFSA's official guide for undocumented students.

What about federal aid, state aid, and in-state tuition? 

Undocumented students cannot receive federal student aid such as the Pell Grant, federal loans, and work-study. State aid programs depend on the state you reside. To have the most up-to-date rules on aid that undocumented students are eligible for, head over to the website here: https://www.ncsl.org/research/immigration/tuition-benefits-for-immigrants.aspx. 

What are some schools that meet 100% need-based financial aid for undocumented students? 

Cappex provides a list of schools that meet 100% need-based financial aid for undocumented students. 

However, some of the colleges do not meet the full demonstrated need of every student. Another resource is that "College Data's" financial data should be cross-referenced with the Cappex list to ensure the school meets 100% financial needs here and here. If in doubt, contact the school directly to be informed on the policies for undocumented students. 

What scholarships can I apply for? 

There are scholarships that undocumented students are eligible to apply for! You can filter your scholarship search for undocumented students because there are scholarships designated for undocumented students. You can download our free Guide to Organizing Your Scholarship Search for ideas on what websites to look at and other organizations that may have scholarships for you!

Again, when in doubt, contact the school directly or consult with an admissions counselor. While the process may have many exceptions, financial aid is still possible for undocumented students with some research and planning. We are here to help you with your process, no matter the case! Do not hesitate to reach out to us and see how we can make your admissions process smooth sailing! 

We hope you will join us for our free, virtual conference for students of color on Saturday, April 9th, 2022 from 1-6 p.m. EST. While the conference is aimed at students of color, all are invited and welcomed to attend including parents, counselors, and consultants. You can find the link to register here: tinyurl.com/socfc.