Niche College Scholarship

Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Despite heated controversy over immigration laws as it appears on the nation's political agenda, at least seventeen states allow non-native students to pay in-state tuition after having passed a tuition equity bill. While they may seem scarce, there are plenty of scholarships for undocumented students. Not all scholarships will explicitly call for "undocumented" students - they may require students to have a specific status such as DACA, AB 540, etc. Some scholarships may not even ask about immigration status or citizenship, so you may qualify for those scholarships if you are currently undocumented. Make sure to check your state's immigration laws and policies when applying for scholarships and other forms of financial aid, in addition to reading all scholarship eligibility requirements.

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The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an American immigration policy that allows certain undocumented students who entered the country before their 16th birthday and before June 2007, to receive a renewable, two-year work permit and exemption from deportation. In some states, like in California, AB 540 students may qualify to attend college and pay in-state tuition; being exempt from paying non-resident tuition. Be sure to know your status and all the eligibility requirements when applying for these kinds of scholarships.

There are specific organizations such as TheDream.Us that help immigrant youth and undocumented students who have received DACA status achieve their American Dream through the completion of a college education. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund also provides students a scholarship program, regardless of their immigration status, as long as students can demonstrate a commitment to advancing Latino civil rights through their career.

Not only do such organizations provide scholarship programs and opportunities, but they also have education resources based on your state - be sure to check your current or prospective college's scholarship and financial aid opportunities to help fund your college education. You may need to conduct some personal research and stay updated on immigration policies, as they are constantly fluctuating and may have some gray areas. Even if a state does not have a DREAM Act, schools may offer merit scholarships that are not tied to federal funding. And remember to conduct a free search to see what scholarships you may be eligible for.

Below are just some scholarships available to undocumented students, or ones that do not request immigration status or citizenship. Read the eligibility and status requirements carefully when applying. You can find more information on these and other awards by completing a profile and conducting a free college scholarship search on Scholarships.com.

Pinnacol Foundation College Scholarship Program

  • Amount $4,700
  • Deadline February 15, 2024

We know that when a parent is seriously injured in an accident, life suddenly becomes a lot harder for the whole family. That's why we created our scholarship program — to ensure that despite things beyond your control, you still have an opportunity to pursue your academic goals. Pinnacol Foundation scholarships may be used for four-year, two-year or trade programs at accredited colleges, ... Read more

Single Parent Degree Program Scholarships of Northwest Arkansas

  • Amount $2,500
  • Deadline March 15, 2024

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas offers awards to single parents residing in Benton, Carroll, Madison or Washington counties. Eligible applicants must: be a legal United States resident or a resident with DACA status; have a high school diploma or GED; have low to moderate income, typically not more than 250% of federal poverty guidelines; have completed or is in the ... Read more

United Methodist GBHEM General Scholarships

  • Amount $2,000
  • Deadline March 30, 2024

GBHEM Scholarships administers scholarship programs with one general application. Criteria for each scholarship program varies. For general scholarships, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and be an active member of the United Methodist Church. Scholarship programs are divided into three categories: general scholarships, racial-ethnic scholarships and ministry-as-a-career ... Read more

Student Excellent Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline April 1, 2024

The Student Excellent Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship offers students the option to go to Delaware Tech tuition-free. Students must satisfy Delaware residency requirements and be enrolled full-time on a degree-seeking basis. Applicants must be graduates from a Delaware high school with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or higher, along with a combined score of 1350 on the SAT or a 19 or higher on the ACT. ... Read more

Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois

  • Amount $23,000
  • Deadline April 1, 2024

The Golden Apple Scholars of Illinois program is a teacher preparation and tuition assistance program for high school seniors and freshman and sophomore Illinois college students who have the determination and drive to be highly effective teachers in Illinois schools-of-need. We are prepare aspiring teachers for immediate and lasting success in the most challenging teaching environments. The list ... Read more

South Carolina Teaching Fellows

  • Amount $24,000
  • Deadline December 4, 2024

The South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is designed to recruit students into the teaching profession and equip them to become effective and successful educators. Teaching Fellows are provided numerous professional development and leadership opportunities above those offered through the institution’s teacher preparation program. Teaching Fellows also are involved with communities and ... Read more

SPSFNWA Named Scholarships

  • Amount Varies
  • Deadline Varies

The Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas offers awards to single parents residing in Benton, Carroll, Madison or Washington counties. Eligible applicants must: be a legal United States resident or a resident with DACA status; have a high school diploma or GED; have low to moderate income, typically not more than 250% of federal poverty guidelines; have completed or is in the ... Read more

Last Reviewed: December 2023