List Of Colleges That Accept Undocumented Students

Undocumented students face a lot of barriers when it comes to assessing higher education such as colleges that will accept them and financial aid. In this blog post, I have provided a solution to one of the problems by providing the list of colleges that accept undocumented students. Let’s get started.

Contrary to what many people may think, there are colleges in the US that accept undocumented students and even offer them financial aid to support the cost of their education. Although they are not eligible for state and federal financial aid they can leverage the scholarships and other financial aid offered by their host institution.

If you are here to be sure if undocumented students can go to college, the answer is Yes! There are a number of prestigious universities and colleges in the US that throw their doors wide open for everyone irrespective of their residency status and undocumented students are also included. You will learn of these institutions in this blog post but first, let’s better understand who undocumented students are.

Who are Undocumented Students?

Undocumented students are students living in the US without citizenship or other legal immigration status. They are not citizens nor permanent residents of the US nor do they hold a visa to reside in the US and have not applied for legal residency in the US.

The majority of undocumented people were brought into the US as children, grew up in the country, and turned out to become adults who have no knowledge about their citizenship but continue to live in the country anyway until they hit significant milestones like applying for college.

As kids, they attended school, learned English, and considered themselves Americans. Annually, over 65,000 undocumented children graduate high school and are looking forward to a college education in the US and this is where challenges lie. Not all US states accept undocumented youths into their colleges and universities and there is also the barrier to state and federal financial aid.

In recent years, new laws and policies such as the DREAM Act and DACA created opportunities that opened the doorway for undocumented students to gain access to higher education and still receive funding like every other normal student, although exact laws vary by state.

The U.S. has more than 408,000 undocumented students enrolled in higher education. In their pursuit of higher education, undocumented students actively ready themselves to fill critical skill shortages and become better positioned to support their families, communities, and the U.S. economy.

Higher Ed Immigration Portal

The data above clearly shows that you can enroll in college as an undocumented student, this should give you more confidence that you can get into a higher institution in the US even without any legal documents. The colleges curated in this blog post keep their doors wide open for students like you, so, just review them and apply for the ones that suit you best. Yes, you can send your applications to more than one.

Before we get into that list, there are several scholarships for minorities and underrepresented groups that you can qualify for as an undocumented college student in the US. Finance is among the major challenges that prevent many undocumented students from completing college but with financial aid like scholarships, it can be possible to complete your college education without hiccups. Although the scholarships may be scarce they exist and you can also get more information about it from your host institution.

Having said that, let’s dive into the main topic…

list of colleges that accept undocumented students

List Of Colleges That Accept Undocumented Students

As an undocumented student applying for college in the US, the admission process is the same for any other student. You will fill out applications, write essays for your target schools, letters of recommendation, provide a high school transcript, etc You will not be treated differently because you are an undocumented student, in fact, in your application it is best you let your host institution know that your residency status.

The list of colleges that accept undocumented students are:

  • Pomona College
  • Rice University
  • Georgetown University
  • MIT
  • Duke University
  • The University of San Francisco
  • Smith College
  • Bowdoin College
  • Oberlin College
  • Emory University
  • The University of Michigan
  • North Central College
  • Tufts University
  • Brown University
  • Stanford University
  • Swarthmore College
  • Oakland University
  • The State University of New York (SUNY)
  • St. Edward’s University
  • Elgin Community College
  • Oklahoma State University
  • The University of Notre Dame
  • Colby College

These colleges and universities are scattered across the US and are in some of the best states too like California, Texas, Georgia, Ohio, and Massachusetts where you can get so many opportunities. Learn more about some of these schools below:

1.     The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is a top-ranking public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and is recognized as the oldest and largest in the state. The institution ranks at No.25 for best colleges in the US according to US News & World Report. In academic ranking, it is one of the top colleges for automobile engineering, economics, communications, and political science.

Irrespective of one’s residency and immigration status, the University of Michigan will offer you a seat in your applied program thanks to its non-discrimination policy and its commitment to fostering an environment where every student can flourish.

2.     North Central College

North Central College is a private college affiliated with the United Methodist Church in Naperville, Illinois. It is ranked at No.17 by the US News under the category of best colleges in regional universities Midwest. As an undocumented student seeking college to apply to, you may want to add North Central College to the top of your list and this is because the college works together with undocumented students to answer all their questions and assist them with the admissions process.

Acceptance of students into NCC is not based on immigration or residency status and as an undocumented student, you can complete the online application for admission without a social security number. The college also offers resources to help you find financial aid opportunities to assist with the cost of your tuition.

3.     Oakland University

DACA and Undocumented students are welcome to apply for admission at Oakland University and be sure of getting accepted because this institution is committed to creating and supporting a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for everyone. You may decide to apply online or offline and a social security number will not be required.

The admission for application is free and neither the SAT or ACT is not required for admission or merit scholarship consideration. But you must have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher to be considered for admission, if you have a GPA of 3.0 you will be considered for a scholarship.

4.     The University of San Francisco

The School of Education of the University of San Francisco accepts applications for graduate programs regardless of citizenship status but based on academic performance. Therefore, undocumented students in the US seeking a graduate program can apply to the University of San Fransico and get their application considered without discrimination.

The institution also offers resources for external scholarships and other private funding options that undocumented students are eligible for.

5.     St. Edward’s University

St. Edward’s University is a Catholic university with a long history of accepting students from diverse backgrounds. Therefore, undocumented students are welcome to apply for undergraduate programs across any of the faculties at St. Edward’s and be considered for admission.

Every student, undocumented and DACA students included, is eligible for merit and need-based scholarships provided by the institution.

6.     Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University is a Carnegie R1 research university that accepts undocumented students across its undergraduate programs. The institution will go as far as helping you apply for admission and still provide you with helpful resources that will make your journey as an OSU student smooth and seamless.

The application for admission is the same for undocumented students but in addition, they will have to file an Affidavit of Intent and have it notarized by a licensed notary for the state in which they live. The Affidavit of Intent ensures that students intend to apply for legal status within one year and is a requirement for admission. You may also be eligible to receive an out-of-state tuition waiver if you meet the requirements.

7.     Stanford University

Stanford University is a world-class higher institution that consistently ranks among the best in the US and in the world. As a reputable school that values inclusion and nondiscrimination, Stanford aims to provide equitable education to everyone irrespective of their citizenship and immigration status.

As a result, undocumented students across the US who are ready to make the most of the extraordinary academic opportunities available at Stanford are encouraged to apply for admission. The application process is the same for all.

8.     Emory University

Emory University is a private research university in Atlanta, Georgia known for its outstanding liberal arts colleges, graduate and professional schools, and a comprehensive academic health care system. Emory University accepts undocumented students and as first-year students, they are eligible for both merit and need-based scholarships and the Emory University Scholars Program.

Emory University may be difficult to get into, no thanks so it has a low acceptance rate of 13% but if you do get in as an undocumented student, many privileges are waiting for you like the scholarships mentioned above.

9.     Duke University

Here is another reputable higher institution in the US that accepts undocumented students and even offers them financial aid to support the cost of their education and to encourage them to apply. The application procedure for undocumented students applying to Duke University is the same as for general students.

10.  Rice University

Rice University is a private research university in Houston, Texas ranked #15 out of 443 national universities in the US according to US News. At Rice University, everyone is welcome to apply for undergraduate admission regardless of nationality or citizenship, undocumented and DACA students are not exempted from applying either.

Undocumented students are also considered for need-based scholarships to support the cost of their education at Rice University.

Conclusion

All of the universities and colleges listed and discussed here accept undocumented students in the US, Although a handful of them may offer financial aid, it is advisable that you contact your preferred institution before applying to enquire about the admission process and whether there is aid available for you. Remember, do not hide your heritage, let the institution know your residency or immigration status so that they can assist you accordingly.

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