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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.

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.

PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship

Application Deadline: 7/20/2021
Amount: $5,000
Hispanic students who are beginning or continuing their studies at higher educational institutions in Arizona and California’s Central Valley are invited to apply for the PepsiCo Cesar Chavez Latino Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants must: demonstrate leadership in extra-curricular activities, a commitment to volunteer service in the community and financial need; be an incoming or continuing [...] More

Single Parent Professional Certification Scholarship of Northwest Arkansas

Application Deadline: Varies
Amount: $700
The Professional Certification Scholarships are for students pursuing certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Patient Care Technician, or in Phlebotomy from UAMS/Schmieding Center, Petra Allied Health, PRN, NTI, or NWACC. Applicants must be a single parent and a U.S. resident or a resident with DACA Status, and a resident of Carroll, Madison, or Washington County, Arkansas. Must be [...] More

Single Parent Traditional Scholarship of Northwest Arkansas

Application Deadline: Varies
Amount: $2,000
The Single Parent Traditional Scholarship of Northwest Arkansas is offered to single parents residing in Carroll, Madison & Washington Counties. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an eligible program at approved universities, community colleges, or trade schools (see website) seeking a diploma program, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, master of arts in teaching (the only graduate [...] More

South Carolina Teaching Fellows

Application Deadline: 12/1/2021
Amount: $24,000
The Fellowship is awarded each year to as many as 175 high school seniors. Fellows receive up to $24,000 in funds while they complete a degree leading to teacher licensure. A Fellow agrees to teach in a South Carolina public school one year for every year he or she receives the fellowship. Applicants must be residents of South Carolina who are high school seniors. For information, or to apply, [...] More

Student Excellent Equals Degree (SEED) Scholarship

Application Deadline: 4/1/2022
Amount: Varies
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. [...] More

The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship

Application Deadline: 1/29/2022
Amount: Varies
The Anhelo Project is a Chicago based non-profit organization that works to support undocumented students pursuing a post-secondary education within the State of Illinois. Students do not need to have DACA status, and we strongly encourage undocumented students from all racial/ethnic backgrounds to apply. The Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship will be awarded to eligible high school seniors, [...] More

The Pinnacol Foundation College Scholarship Program

Application Deadline: 2/15/2022
Amount: $4,700
The Pinnacol Foundation College Scholarship Program ensures that the children of seriously injured and killed Colorado workers have the opportunity to pursue their dreams by continuing their education. Applicants must be the natural child, adopted child, stepchild or full dependent of a worker who was injured or killed in a compensable work-related accident during the course and scope of [...] More

United Methodist GBHEM General Scholarships

Application Deadline: 3/7/2022
Amount: Varies
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. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More

United Methodist GBHEM Ministry as a Career Scholarships

Application Deadline: 3/1/2022
Amount: $12,500
Ministry as a Career Scholarships offers 17 total scholarships. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA status students and must be an active full member of The United Methodist Church for at least 1 year. Applicants must be pursuing a degree program at an accredited institution in the U.S; individual scholarships are available for undergrad and graduate students, as well [...] More

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