If you are a DACA recipient or an undocumented student, you already know that paying for college comes with extra challenges. You cannot file the FAFSA. You are not eligible for federal student loans or Pell Grants. And many of the guides you find online assume every student has access to those programs. But here is what those guides often leave out: there is still real money available to you. State aid programs, private college grants, and outside scholarships add up to billions of dollars each year — and much of that money does not require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. You just need to know where to look and how to apply. This guide breaks down every major funding source available for the 2025-26 academic year so you can build a plan that works.
Why Federal Aid Is Off the Table
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires applicants to be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens (such as refugees or asylum holders). DACA recipients and undocumented students do not qualify under any of those categories. That means you cannot receive federal Pell Grants, federal student loans (Direct Subsidized or Unsubsidized), or Federal Work-Study through the FAFSA.
This is a significant roadblock, but it is not the end of the road. State governments, private colleges, and scholarship organizations each have their own rules — and many of them are open to you.
States That Offer In-State Tuition
One of the biggest cost factors for any student is whether you pay in-state or out-of-state tuition at a public university. The difference can be $15,000 to $30,000 per year. As of the 2025-26 academic year, at least 23 states and the District of Columbia allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges, as long as they meet certain residency requirements — usually attending a state high school for two or three years and graduating there.
States with in-state tuition policies for undocumented students include California, Texas, New York, Illinois, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, and several others. Requirements vary, so check your state’s specific rules on the Higher Ed Immigration Portal.
Paying in-state tuition can bring annual costs down to roughly $8,000 to $12,000, compared to $20,000 to $40,000 for out-of-state rates. That difference alone can make college affordable when combined with other aid.
States That Offer Financial Aid
In-state tuition is a good start, but several states go further and offer actual financial aid to undocumented students through state-funded grant and scholarship programs. These are the most important ones to know about.
California: The California Dream Act
California has one of the strongest support systems in the country. The California Dream Act Application replaces the FAFSA for undocumented students and DACA recipients attending California colleges. By completing this application, you can qualify for Cal Grants (up to $14,766 per year at a UC campus for 2025-26), institutional aid from UC and CSU schools, community college fee waivers through the California College Promise Grant, and some university-specific scholarships. The deadline for the Cal Grant is March 2 each year, and it is just as important as the FAFSA deadline is for other students. Do not miss it.
Texas: The TASFA
Texas offers its own form called the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). If you graduated from a Texas high school after attending for at least three years and signed an affidavit stating you will apply for permanent residency when eligible, you can use the TASFA to apply for state grants such as the TEXAS Grant (up to $10,000 per year at a four-year public university). Each college in Texas may have its own TASFA deadline, so check with every school on your list.
New York: The NYS DREAM Act
New York’s Jose Peralta DREAM Act gives undocumented students access to the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), which provides up to $5,665 per year for full-time students at SUNY and CUNY schools. It also opens the door to state scholarships like the Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Awards. You apply through the DREAM Act Application on the HESC website.
Washington State
Washington allows undocumented students to apply for the Washington College Grant, which covers tuition at public colleges for families earning up to roughly $100,000 per year. The state uses the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid) instead of the FAFSA. The Washington College Grant is one of the most generous state programs in the country.
Other States With Aid Programs
Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Virginia also offer some form of state financial aid to undocumented students, though the details and amounts vary. Check the Higher Ed Immigration Portal for the latest policies in your state.
Institutional Aid From Private Colleges
Here is something many students do not realize: private colleges set their own financial aid rules. Unlike federal or state programs, private institutional aid often does not have a citizenship requirement. Many selective private colleges practice "need-blind" or "need-aware" admissions for all students, including undocumented applicants, and will meet a significant portion of your demonstrated financial need with grants from the school’s own funds.
Schools like Pomona College, Emory University, Swarthmore College, and many other well-endowed private institutions have publicly stated that they consider undocumented students for their full institutional aid packages. Some offer aid packages worth $40,000 to $70,000 per year depending on family income.
When researching private colleges, ask each school’s financial aid office:
- Do you offer institutional aid to undocumented or DACA students?
- What form do I need to submit — FAFSA, CSS Profile, or your own institutional form?
- Is your admissions process need-blind or need-aware for undocumented applicants?
- What is the average aid package for students in my income range?
Getting these answers early will save you time and help you focus on schools that will actually fund your education.
The CSS Profile as an Alternative to the FAFSA
About 200 colleges use the CSS Profile to distribute their own institutional aid. The CSS Profile is administered by the College Board, not the federal government, and it does not have the same citizenship requirements as the FAFSA. Many schools that use the CSS Profile will accept it from DACA and undocumented students to determine eligibility for the college’s own grants and scholarships.
The CSS Profile costs $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school. Fee waivers are available for students from families earning less than $100,000 per year. If you are applying to private colleges, check whether they require the CSS Profile and whether they accept it from undocumented students. This form can be your main path to institutional aid.
Private Scholarships That Welcome Undocumented Students
Several major scholarship programs specifically serve undocumented and DACA students.
TheDream.US
TheDream.US is the largest national scholarship program for DREAMers. It offers two types of awards: the National Scholarship provides up to $33,000 for associate and bachelor’s degrees at partner colleges, and the Opportunity Scholarship covers tuition and fees for students in states where they cannot access in-state tuition. Applications typically open in the fall, and the program has awarded over $200 million to more than 10,000 students since it launched.
Golden Door Scholars
Golden Door Scholars provides four-year scholarships that cover tuition, room, and board at partner colleges. The program focuses on DACA and undocumented students with strong academic records and places them at schools committed to supporting immigrant students. Awards can be worth over $80,000 across four years.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) awards scholarships of $500 to $5,000 to students of Hispanic heritage, including DACA recipients. HSF does not require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Applications open each year in January and close in February for the following academic year.
Other Scholarship Sources
- Immigrants Rising maintains a database of over 100 scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship or legal status. This is one of the best free resources available.
- My Undocumented Life lists scholarships organized by state, field of study, and deadline.
- Local community foundations, faith-based organizations, and cultural groups often offer scholarships without citizenship requirements. Ask your high school counselor about options in your area.
Work Options for DACA Recipients
If you have DACA status and a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you are legally allowed to work in the United States. This opens up options that can help you pay for college while enrolled:
- On-campus jobs. Many colleges hire work-eligible students for positions in libraries, dining halls, labs, and offices. These jobs typically pay $12 to $18 per hour with flexible schedules.
- Internships and co-ops. Paid internships in your field can provide income and work experience. Some co-op programs alternate semesters of work and study and can cover a meaningful portion of your tuition.
- Part-time work. With a valid EAD, you can work part-time during the school year and full-time during breaks. Even 10 to 15 hours per week at $15 per hour adds up to roughly $7,000 to $10,000 per year.
For undocumented students without DACA, paid employment options are more limited. Focus your energy on scholarships, state aid, and institutional grants. Some campus roles like research assistantships may offer tuition benefits that are structured as educational awards rather than employment.
How to Find DACA-Friendly Schools
Not every college is equally supportive of undocumented students. Here is how to find schools that will actually work with you:
Check institutional policies. The Higher Ed Immigration Portal lets you search colleges by their policies on admissions, financial aid, and support services for undocumented students. Start here to build your college list.
Look for dedicated support staff. Some colleges have offices specifically for undocumented students. The University of California system, for example, has Undocumented Student Services offices on every campus. This kind of investment matters.
Ask about sanctuary or safe zone policies. Some colleges have adopted policies to protect student information and limit cooperation with immigration enforcement on campus. These policies signal that the institution takes its commitment to undocumented students seriously.
Talk to current students. Connect with undocumented students already attending the school. Student organizations for undocumented or DACAmented students exist on many campuses and can give you honest feedback about the support you can expect.
Advocacy and Legal Resources
Staying informed about your legal rights and any policy changes is important. These organizations provide free or low-cost legal help and up-to-date information:
- United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country and offers legal resources, action alerts, and community support.
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC) tracks policy changes affecting DACA and undocumented students and provides free legal guidance.
- Immigrants Rising offers resources on financial aid, entrepreneurship, and career options for undocumented students.
- Many colleges operate free immigration legal clinics. Search the Immigration Advocates Network directory for services near you.
Roadblocks to Watch
State policies can change. Financial aid rules for undocumented students depend on state law, and those laws can shift with new administrations. Stay connected to organizations like Higher Ed Immigration Portal for policy updates that could affect your funding.
DACA renewals and status uncertainty. If your DACA status expires or is not renewed, you could lose your work authorization and, in some states, your eligibility for in-state tuition or state aid. Keep your renewal paperwork current and file well before your expiration date. Visit the USCIS DACA page for the latest filing instructions.
Scholarship scams. Be cautious of any organization that charges a fee to help you find scholarships or promises guaranteed awards. Legitimate scholarship programs and databases like Immigrants Rising are free to use.
Gaps between aid and cost. Even with state aid and scholarships, you may face a gap between what you receive and what college costs. Have a plan — whether through work, payment plans, or choosing a more affordable school. Community colleges are an excellent option for completing your first two years at low cost before transferring.
Privacy concerns. When sharing personal information on financial aid forms, make sure you understand the school’s privacy policies. Ask the financial aid office directly how your information is stored and who has access to it.
The Bottom Line
Being a DACA recipient or undocumented student does not mean college is out of reach. It means you need a different plan — one built on state aid, institutional grants from private colleges, the CSS Profile, and private scholarships. Programs like TheDream.US, Golden Door Scholars, and the California Dream Act exist specifically for students in your situation. Start early, apply to everything you qualify for, and do not be afraid to call financial aid offices directly. You deserve to know exactly what each school can offer you.
Ready to compare schools and find your best financial fit? Start your free plan on CollegeLens to see which colleges offer the most support for your situation.
— Sravani at CollegeLens