If you're an undocumented or DACA student, finding financial aid for college can be tricky. Undocumented students do not qualify for federal aid, and only a handful of states offer state grants to undocumented students. However,there are a number of scholarships for undocumented students out there!
All the scholarships listed on this page are sorted from the most immediate deadlines to the furthest deadlines. The deadline for some scholarships have passed, so bookmark this page to check back when they open again! For any scholarship-related questions, text #Scholarships to 33-55-77!
Disclaimer: Some scholarship websites or organizations found on this list may sell your personal information to third parties, including (but not limited to): your name, email address, home address, and phone number. While we aim to share scholarships and scholarship websites that do not sell any student data, we know that those with larger money scholarships may. We encourage you to always be intentional about the scholarships you apply to and the information you share with them.
Scholarship Resource Guide //Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies
MALDEF's scholarship resource guide is updated annually to help students, parents, and educators find good scholarship opportunities. MALDEF also offers helpful scholarship advice and things to consider when applying to scholarships, both in English and Spanish, to help students better understand their options.
La Luz Scholarship //Peña & Co. Consulting
Amount: $2,500
Deadline: September 15, 2022
This scholarship was designed to"light the path to success for first-gens (first-generation college students)across the nation." This scholarship is available to all incoming and current undergraduate students in the U.S. Applicants must write a maximum 500-word essay answering the prompt: How has being a first-generation college student impacted your academic journey? How will this scholarship support you financially?Winners will be announced on National First-Generation College StudentDay (November 8).
National Match Scholarship // QuestBridge
Amount: $200,000
Deadline: September 27, 2022
Match Scholarship Recipients are granted early admission to one of QuestBridge's college partners with a full four-year scholarship, worth over $200,000.
No-Essay Scholarship //Scholarships360
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: September 30, 2022
To be considered for a $1,000 scholarship, simply create an account on Scholarships 360 and sign up for email newsletters. Engagement in these newsletters will help boost your chances of winning as well as provide you with other scholarships that you can enter into! It's a win-win situation!
Scholarships // Hispanic Education Endowment Fund
Amount: Awards start at $2,500
Deadline: Applications open October 2022
This organization aims to help enhance Hispanic youths' educational opportunities and to improve students’ educational expectations in the Orange County area. They hope to help Hispanic students overcome financial barriers and work towards a higher education.
Golden Door Scholarship // Golden Doors Scholars
Amount: Varies
Deadline: October 23, 2022
Recent high school graduates and current college undergrads with a high GPA, has held leadership positions or is involved in their community, and are actively applying to other scholarships are eligible for this scholarship.
National Scholarship // The Dream.Us
Amount: Up to $30,000
Deadline: Applications open November 1, 2022
This scholarship will cover your tuition and fees up to a maximum of $16,500 for an associate degree and $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of the organization's 70+ partner colleges across the country. The award is renewable each year – but you must meet the continuing eligibility criteria – including continuous full-time enrollment.
Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship // Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund
Amount: $6,000 for two years
Deadline: Applications open November 2022
This scholarship is awarded to a few students who transfer in the fall or spring following the award from Contra Costa County community colleges to junior standing in four-year accredited institutions.
Opportunity Scholarship // The Dream.Us
Amount: Up to $80,000
Deadline: Applications open November 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to those living in states that don't offer financial aid to undocumented students. The funds can be used at one of the organization's opportunity partner colleges. The award is renewable each year – but you must meet the continuing eligibility criteria – including continuous full-time enrollment.
Cooke College Scholarship // Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Amount: Up to $55,000
Deadline: November 17, 2022
This foundation offers a scholarship each year to students who show financial need and hope to attend some of the nation's best colleges.
Your Time to Climb Scholarship // Tenge Law Firm
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: December 1, 2022
This scholarship is available to all students in the United States. Must be a citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient to qualify. Applicants must write a short essay (500-1,000 words) answering the following prompt: “Tell us about a time you pushed yourself because you wanted something. Did you succeed? What did you learn from the experience?”
Chicana Latina Foundation Scholarships // Chicana Latina Foundation
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: Applications open January 1, 2023
This scholarship is offered to Latina students in Northern California. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or community college in one of the following California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Sacramento, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, San Francisco, Sonoma, or Yolo. Applicants must have lived in one of the above counties for at least two years.
Scholarship // Latino Scholarship Fund
Amount: Varies
Deadline: Applications open February 2023
Latino Scholarship Fund to advance the education and career opportunities of Latino students in the Fairfield County & New Milford area in Connecticut.
College Scholarships // The Vegetarian Resource Group
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: February 20, 2023
Graduating high school students who have promoted vegetarianism in their schools and/or communities are eligible for these scholarships.
SEG Scholarships // Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: March 1, 2023
SEG offers scholarships of up to $10,000 to students interested in pursuing an education in geophysics and related geo-sciences.
CA Dream Act // California Student Aid Commission
Amount: Varies
Deadline: March 2, 2023
This application is open to incoming and current college students who attended a California high school for a minimum of three years and will enroll in an accredited California college or university. Applicant must be a non-resident applying under AB 540 and AB 131.
ScholarSHPE //Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
Amount: Varies
Deadline: April 30, 2023
SHPE offers scholarships of up to $5000 to students pursuing an undergraduate degree in a STEM field with a minimum GPA of 2.75.
Missed the deadline on any of these scholarships? That's okay! We'll save this list so you can apply next year.
Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship // National Aids Memorial
Amount: Varies
Deadline: July 15, 2022
This scholarship is available to all current high school seniors, and college freshman, sophomores and juniors (ages 27 and younger) who demonstrate an active commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS and taking on roles of public service and leadership.
Martin Family Foundation Honors Scholarship Program // University of Washington
Amount: Up to $12,000 per year for 3 years
Deadline: July 1, 2022
This program enables Washington State Community College students of exceptional ability and outstanding achievement to complete their baccalaureate degrees at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Arthur H. Goodman Scholarship // CDC Loans
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 30, 2022
This scholarship provides financial assistance to dynamic, community-minded women and minority students transitioning from a community college in California or Arizona to four-year universities.
WIA Foundation Scholarship // Women in Aerospace Foundation
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: June 21, 2022
WIA aims to provide scholarships to women interested in a career in the aerospace field to pursue higher education degrees in engineering, math or science. One or more awards of $2,000 will be given each year to a rising senior in college, to be applied during the upcoming academic year.
Academic Scholarship // AORN Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline: June 15, 2022
Students who are pursuing a career in nursing by pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree are eligible for this scholarship.
Scholarships // Prism Foundation
Amount: $1,000-$5,000
Deadline: June 5, 2022
Prism Foundation provides scholarships to empower students who are making a positive impact on the Asian & Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities. Students who attend college and trade/vocational schools are eligible to apply. Non-U.S. citizens are welcome to apply.
California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship Program // CLLCF
Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 1, 2022
CLLCF invites all California residents who show financial need to apply. Several winners will be awarded $5,000 that will go towards educational purposes.
Achieving the Dream Scholarship // First Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: May 15, 2022
To qualify, students must be of Hispanic/Latino descent, live in one of the First Coast five counties, have a 3.0 GPA, complete an application which includes two short essays, and send official transcripts for their selection committee to review.
Gary Yoshimura Scholarship // PRSA Foundation
Amount: $2,400
Deadline: April 30, 2022
PRSA Foundation offers scholarships to students pursuing an undergraduate education in public relations.
Robin M. Urbanski Scholarship // PRSA Foundation
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: April 30, 2022
PRSA Foundation offers scholarships to students who have mentored others and are studying public relations.
Scholarship // Los Hermanos de Stanford
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: April 29, 2022
This scholarship is for Latinx students who are graduating from high school with plans to attend any two or four year institution of higher learning. Attending Stanford University is not a requirement. Applicants will be judged on their contributions to the guiding principles of Los Hermanos de Stanford: community service, academic excellence, and cultural awareness.
Esperanza Fund Scholarship // Esperanza Education Fund
Amount: Up to $20,000
Deadline: April 1, 2022
The Esperanza Education Fund provides scholarships to students from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC who are immigrants or the children of immigrants.
Becca's Closet Scholarships // Becca's Closet
Amount: Varies; Minimum award $1,000
Deadline: March 31, 2022
These scholarships are open to graduating high school seniors who have made an outstanding, documented contribution to his or her local community through the creation of or involvement in a Becca’s Closet chapter or Becca’s Closet organized through a supporting organization. Applicant must a U.S. Citizen, legal resident or DACA-eligible.
BECA Foundation General Scholarship // BECA Foundation
Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: March 30, 2022
If you are a senior at a San Diego high school and will be attending a college in the fall, try applying to this scholarship!
Education First Scholarships // Education First
Amount: $5,500
Deadline: March 18, 2022
Education First offers scholarships of to students in EF Chapter cities including Los Angeles, Seattle, Austin, San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Denver, and Portland.
HSF Scholarships // Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Amount: $500-$5,000
Deadline: March 1, 2022
Scholars are selected based on merit. Award amounts range from $500 - $5,000, based on relative need.
POE Scholarships // Pursuit of Excellence
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 28, 2022
This organization offers scholarships of $500-$6000 to students from the South Bay Area, CA.
Mexican Studies Scholarship // CUNY
Amount: Up to $7,500
Deadline: February 28, 2022
This scholarship is available to current and prospective CUNY undergraduate and graduate students. Scholarship winners are selected based on academic achievement, financial need, and commitment to service in the Mexican and/or immigrant community.
NAHJ Scholarships // National Association of Hispanic Journalists
Amount: Varies; Up to $10,000
Deadline: February 18, 2022
Theses scholarships are available to college-bound high school seniors, college undergraduates and graduate students pursuing careers in English or Spanish-language print, broadcast, digital, or photojournalism who have at least a 3.0 GPA.
Ascend Educational Fund Scholarship // Ascend Fund NY
Amount: $2,500-$20,000
Deadline: February 11, 2022
Ascend Fund offers scholarships to immigrant students and children of immigrants who are graduating from a New York City high school to attend public or private colleges and universities, regardless of ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status.
RTDNF Journalism Scholarships //Radio Television Digital News Association
Amount: Varies
Deadline: February 3, 2022
These scholarships are open to college students pursuing careers in radio, television, or digital journalism. Winners must be officially enrolled, full time college sophomores, juniors, or seniors in good standing.
Point Scholarships // Point Foundation
Amount: Varies
Deadline: January 26, 2022
This scholarship is offered to seniors in high school enrolling in a U.S. 4-year college. Must identify as LGBTQ+. Community college students, trade students or online programs do not qualify.
eQuality Scholarship // eQuality Scholarship Collaborative
Amount: $6,000
Deadline: January 31, 2022
These scholarships are available to students who are residents of Northern or Central California (but may study elsewhere) who have demonstrated service in the LGBTQ+ community.
Ted Rollins Eco Scholarship //Ted Rollins Eco Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: December 1, 2021
This scholarship is offered twice each year to one talented high school or undergraduate student who is majoring in a field related to sustainability. This money may be used to pay for tuition, books or living expenses.
Check out our college scholarships page to find more scholarships you can apply to now! Need help writing your scholarship or college application essays? We have you covered! We’ll review your essays for free and our experts will give you actionable feedback.
FAQs
How can I get free scholarships? ›
- Consider your chances. ...
- Check if you need to apply and what the deadline is. ...
- Find out when you'll know if you're successful for an award. ...
- Share your information with Student Finance. ...
- Keep your eyes open for opportunities. ...
- Take care with your application. ...
- Be realistic.
All undocumented students in California can go to college and receive private or institutional scholarship—even if they don't meet eligibility for AB 540/SB 68 or the California Dream Act.
Do immigrants get free college in the US? ›Rather, section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) prohibits states from providing any higher education benefit based on residence to undocumented immigrants unless they provide the same benefit to U.S. citizens in the same circumstances, regardless of their ...
Can undocumented immigrants go to college in the US? ›College Admission Policies
Undocumented students may incorrectly assume that they cannot legally attend college in the United States. However, there is no federal or state law that prohibits the admission of undocumented immigrants to U.S. colleges, public or private.
- Monash University 2023 Sir John Monash Scholarships for Excellence for International Students. ...
- Kansas State University 2023 Future student scholarships. ...
- Meta 2023 Elevate Coursera Scholarship for International Students.
- Know where to look. ...
- Prepare in advance. ...
- Work hard and keep motivated. ...
- Make yourself stand out from other applicants. ...
- Read the application instructions carefully. ...
- Submit an exceptional scholarship essay or cover letter. ...
- Be realistic.
DACA students can apply for private scholarships, in addition to state grants and institutional aid where allowed. That's why they should still fill out the FAFSA, even if they don't qualify for federal aid; this is the form used by some states and schools to determine their financial need.
Do undocumented students qualify for fafsa? ›No. Undocumented students, including DACA students, are not eligible for federal student aid. However, you may be eligible for state or college financial aid, in addition to private scholarships. 2.
What percentage of undocumented students go to college? ›About 5 to 10% of undocumented students pursue higher education, and far fewer successfully graduate with a degree (US Dept.
Can DACA recipients get in-state tuition? ›Policies provide statewide access to in-state tuition and some state financial aid or scholarships for the state's resident DACA recipients and undocumented students.
Do undocumented people pay taxes? ›
Namely, that undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes, or otherwise abuse government safety nets such as Medicaid and Social Security.
How do you pay for college without a loan? ›- Pay cash for your degree. ...
- Apply for aid. ...
- Choose an affordable school. ...
- Go to community college first. ...
- Consider directional schools. ...
- Explore trade schools. ...
- Apply for scholarships. ...
- Get grants.
Undocumented immigrants are generally barred from serving in the military, though occasionally (especially in times of military need) an undocumented person might be allowed to join the armed forces in spite of this rule.
Can undocumented immigrants get food stamps? ›Undocumented individuals are not eligible for SNAP benefits.
Undocumented immigrants are NOT eligible for SNAP, but other members of their household (including children who are US citizens) may be eligible.
Financial Obstacles
Financial stressors are enormous. High poverty rates for undocumented immigrants: 30% of all undocumented immigrants live below the poverty line. In some cases, families struggle to buy food and pay rent, so they simply cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on their children's college tuition.
- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $2,500 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- $5,000 Graduate School Scholarship.
- $2,000 College Repayment Grant.
- Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship.
- Annual Catholic College Scholarship.
Germany. A particularly popular country for admission among students from all over the world. No wonder: In Germany almost all universities are free of charge and the country's largest scholarship fund — DAAD — provides a scholarship to cover living expenses.
What are fully funded scholarships? ›Fully funded scholarship is a financial aid program that takes all of the financial burden of your education onto itself, hence supporting foreign students with a pleasant educational environment. The schemes cover tuition and living expenses, often including travel expenses, textbook allowances, insurance, etc.
Which university gives free scholarships in USA? ›Stanford University Scholarships
Stanford University Scholarship is a fully funded scholarship for international students. This scholarship is offered for Masters and Ph. D studies. This scholarship is offering full tuition fees, traveling allowance, Living allowance and academic expenses.
...
How to Study for Free in the USA?
- Prepare an Excellent Application.
- Attend Tuition-Free Universities.
- Apply for Scholarships.
- Look for Part-Time Job Opportunities.
Which university gives the most scholarship to international students in USA? ›
| School (state) | Number of international students who received aid during 2021-2022 |
|---|---|
| Wesleyan University (CT) | 92 |
| Dartmouth College (NH) | 327 |
| Duke University (NC) | 174 |
| Stanford University (CA) | 245 |
Some states do offer state funding to DACA recipients. Further, grants, scholarships, and loans are options available to them based on need or other specific eligibility requirements.
Do DACA dreamers get free education? ›While they do not get free tuition, several states allow undocumented students or individuals with DACA status to apply for financial aid or scholarships or to pay in-state tuition rates to ease the finanical burden of attending college.
Can dreamers get Pell Grant? ›Make Financial Aid Available to DACA Recipients
These benefits include access to Pell Grants, federal student loans, and work study programs.
Under the DREAM Act, most students with good moral character who came to the U.S. at age 15 or younger at least five years before the date of the bill's enactment would qualify for conditional nonimmigrant status upon acceptance to college, graduation from a U.S. high school, or being awarded a GED in the U.S. Students ...
Is Dreamer and DACA the same? ›The term Dreamer is sometimes used to describe the people protected by DACA. This term was coined for the DREAM Act introduced in Congress before DACA, which has not yet earned a majority vote in either the Senate or the House. Dreamer is simply an identifier, not a policy or set of benefits.
Can DACA get federal loans? ›DACA and other undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid, including federal student loans and grants. However, DACA students may be eligible for state- or college-based aid.
How many DACA recipients have a masters? ›87% of DACA-eligible students are enrolled in undergraduate programs, and 13% of DACA-eligible students are enrolled in graduate-level programs; 216,0000 of these individuals hold or are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA);
How many DACA recipients are college educated? ›Nearly all DACA recipients—99%—have graduated from high school, and about half (at least 47%) have attained at least some college education.
How many undocumented immigrants have a college degree? ›Despite these gains, unauthorized immigrants remain much less likely than lawful immigrants to be proficient in English (34% vs. 57% in 2016) or hold a college degree (17% vs. 37%).
What states help DACA students? ›
At least seven states—California, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington—currently allow undocumented students to receive state financial aid.
Are DACA students undocumented? ›DACA is an administrative relief that protects eligible immigrants who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit.
Are DACA students eligible non citizens? ›People covered under the Delayed Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) are not considered eligible noncitizens, and they are therefore not able to receive federal student aid.
Does USCIS check with IRS? ›As part of the evidence, the USCIS will review your tax returns to confirm that they were filed jointly. Similarly, if you are filing a petition to convert your two-year residence to a 10 year residence, you must again establish the bona fides of your marriage.
What states get the most immigrants? ›| State | Total foreign born population | Foreign born population (%) |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | 2,033,292 | 22.8 |
| New Mexico | 198,522 | 9.5 |
| New York | 4,447,165 | 22.8 |
| North Carolina | 824,177 | 7.9 |
Generally, only noncitizens authorized to work in the United States by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can get an SSN. SSNs are used to report a person's wages to the government and to determine that person's eligibility for Social Security benefits.
What disqualifies you from getting financial aid? ›Incarceration, misdemeanors, arrests, and more serious crimes can all affect a student's aid. Smaller offenses won't necessarily cut off a student from all aid, but it will limit the programs they qualify for as well as the amount of aid they could receive. Larger offenses can disqualify a student entirely.
How do people afford college without scholarships? ›- Grants. Colleges, states, and the federal government give out grants, which don't need to be repaid. ...
- Ask the college for more money. ...
- Work-study jobs. ...
- Apply for private scholarships. ...
- Take out loans. ...
- Claim a $2,500 tax credit. ...
- Live off campus or enroll in community college.
- Identify schools that are or almost tuition-free.
- Apply for federal and state grants.
- Seek out merit-based scholarships.
- Ask for help.
- Trim your academic expenses.
- Consider federal and private loans.
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
How Undocumented Students Can Access Financial Aid for College
Financial Aid For Undocumented Students And DACA Recipients
What is the easiest scholarship to get? ›
- $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship.
- $2,000 Nitro College Scholarship – No Essay.
- $2,500 Christian Connector Scholarship.
- $5,000 Graduate School Scholarship.
- $2,000 College Repayment Grant.
- Annual Protestant Faith Based College Scholarship.
- Annual Catholic College Scholarship.
A scholarship is free money that does not have to be paid back. Whether you are in high school or enrolled in college, we can help you research and find college scholarships.
How do I find scholarships for me? ›- the financial aid office at a college or career school.
- a high school or TRIO counselor.
- the U.S. Department of Labor's FREE scholarship search tool.
- federal agencies.
- your state grant agency.
- your library's reference section.
| Miss America | Additional Information Amount Awarded: Varies, up to $12,000 Deadline: Varies |
|---|---|
| Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation | Additional Information Amount Awarded: Up to $20,000 Deadline: August |
| Buick Achievers | Additional Information Amount Awarded: $25,000 Deadline: Varies |
Some scholarship committees only consider applicants whose GPA meets a certain threshold. Minimum requirements range from around 2.0 on the lower end to 3.75 or higher for competitive academic scholarships. Generally speaking, a 3.0 GPA or higher will give you a decent shot at qualifying for a variety of scholarships.
Do you pay back scholarships? ›Scholarships have been a source of free money for students to pay the cost of college attendance without building student debt. Unlike federal student loans and other loans, scholarships do not have to be paid back, so they are oftentimes a much more feasible option for graduate and undergraduate students.
How many scholarships can I apply for? ›There's no limit to the number of scholarships a student can apply for or receive.
How much scholarship money can I get? ›Most students can expect to receive $5,000 to $10,000 in scholarships, but that varies widely based on the cost of attendance at the college and how hard the student works on the application process.
What is the best type of scholarship? ›Full-Ride Scholarships
A full-ride scholarship is an all-expense ride to college, and it's the most coveted among all the different types of scholarships. Most full-ride scholarships are specific to a school, but there are a few organizations that don't restrict the use of funds to any specific school.
What's a full-ride scholarship? It's a financial award, like any other scholarship, but with a difference—it covers all your college expenses. And not just tuition—a full-ride scholarship also covers your housing, meals, books, lab fees, and sometimes even living costs.
How much is the Pell Grant? ›
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6,895 for the 2022–23 award year (July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023). your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
Why are scholarships so hard to find? ›It's very hard to get college scholarship because a student has to go through various levels to get selected. The criteria or the process may vary from college to college. Some of the criteria college follow are academic qualifications, scholarship test, interview etc.
What is the nitro scholarship? ›Description: The Nitro College Scholarship is available for U.S. high school students and college freshmen. This scholarship is offered every month. This $2,000 award is only open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, age 17 or older at the time of entry.
How do you win scholarships? ›- Create an accomplishments resume. ...
- Don't miss deadlines. ...
- Complete the scholarship matching profile thoroughly. ...
- Apply to as many scholarships as possible. ...
- Look for scholarship listing books. ...
- Find local scholarships on bulletin boards. ...
- Tap into family connections.
