You belong here.Undocumented, DACA & international students

Which sounds like you?

Pick one to see what matters most for you, or leave it to see everything.

Paying for college

1. Federal aid.Students who are undocumented or have DACA can’t get federal student aid (Pell Grants, federal loans, Federal Work-Study). That’s the federal rule, not a judgment about you.
2. State aid and in-state tuition depend on your state.Some states give undocumented students in-state tuition and state grants. Some give in-state tuition only. Some bar it. A few have changed their rules recently. Check your state on the map below, then confirm with your state’s higher education agency.
3. Ask before you file anything.Some states have their own application instead of the FAFSA (California’s is the California Dream Act Application). Ask your college’s financial aid office which form they want from you. You can ask the question without giving your name.
4. Your college may have its own money.Institutional scholarships often don’t depend on citizenship. Ask: “Which of your scholarships are open to students who aren’t eligible for federal aid?”

If you’re a citizen and your parent isn’t

Your parent’s status does not stop you from getting federal aid. If you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you can get Pell Grants and federal loans like any other student.

1. Your parent can still do their part of the FAFSA.A parent without a Social Security number can make a StudentAid.gov account by choosing “I don’t have a Social Security number”, then complete and sign their section.
2. They still give consent.Every FAFSA contributor has to give consent for tax information, even if they haven’t filed U.S. taxes.
3. Stuck?Call the Federal Student Aid Information Center or ask your financial aid office. You don’t have to explain your family’s situation to ask how the form works.

About DACA, carefully

DACA has been in and out of court for years, and its rules have changed more than once. As of 15 October 2026, USCIS’s own pages say it keeps accepting and processing renewals, accepts but does not process first-time requests because of a court order, and that current DACA and work permits stay valid until they expire unless ended.

This can change at any time. Read the USCIS page itself, and talk to a nonprofit immigration lawyer before you file, renew or travel. Never pay a “notario” or anyone who promises results.

Scholarships that don’t ask for citizenship

International students: many U.S. scholarships require citizenship, so start with your college’s international office and your home country’s programs.

Talking to your school safely

A federal law called FERPA protects your education records. In general, your college needs your written consent before it shares them, with some exceptions (for example, a lawfully issued subpoena or court order).

1. Directory information is different.Your school can share things like your name and major unless you opt out. Ask the registrar how to opt out of directory information.
2. Ask about a person, not a file.Many colleges have an undocumented student resource center, a Dreamer liaison or a trusted advisor. Ask: “Who here helps undocumented students?”
3. Share only what’s needed.You decide what to tell, and when. It is okay to say “I’d like to talk to someone who works with students in my situation before I answer that.”

Free, trusted legal help

Only a lawyer or a DOJ-accredited representative should give you immigration legal advice.

ImmigrationLawHelp.org lists nonprofit immigration legal services in every state. Some charge a small fee, so ask first.

International students: work, in plain words

Your DSO (Designated School Official, usually in the international student office) is your person for every question about your visa, work and enrollment. Ask them before you take any job.

Working without authorization, or more hours than allowed, can end your student status. When in doubt, don’t start: ask your DSO first.