Undocumented Students

Many students that are undocumented question whether they can attend college at all.  There are no federal laws that prohibit the admission of undocumented immigrants from U.S. colleges/universities, either public or private.  Federal laws do not require students to prove US citizenship in order to enter U.S. institutions of higher education.  However, policies in individual states and at individual institutions vary widely.  In many states, including Georgia, some public institutions will accept undocumented students, but will consider them as out-of-state students, and therefore prevent those students from benefiting from in-state tuition rates or state financial aid.   Many private colleges are more receptive to undocumented students, and will allow them to apply for financial aid. 

The following websites provide information for undocumented individuals on a variety of topics, as well as providing resources for options and services.

My Undocumented Life

Immigrants Rising

National Immigration Law Center

The Best Schools - Guide for Undocumented Students

Higher Education Immigration Portal - Georgia

Higher Ed Immigration Portal - Undocumented Students

Searching for and Applying to Colleges

In the state of Georgia, undocumented students are ineligible for attendance at Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Georgia, and Georgia College and State University. Undocumented students may be accepted at other public schools, but will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate.  Some private schools in the state of Georgia, such as Emory University, Oglethorpe University, Young Harris College, and Agnes Scott are receptive to undocumented students and may provide assistance with financial aid.   

The following websites/links may help you search for and find information about colleges.  

Appily Colleges for Undocumented Students

Informed Immigrant - Options for Undocumented Students

Resources for Applying to College as an Undocumented Student

Hispanic Association of College and Universities

Once you are ready to apply to college, you can utilize our college application toolkit to guide you through the process.

College Application Toolkit in English

College Applications Toolkit in Spanish

Paying for College

Undocumented students are not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or receive federal student aid.  DACA students that have a social security number (SSN) can complete the FAFSA.  Documented students that have an SSN can complete the FAFSA, even if their parents are undocumented and do not have an SSN. However, their parents cannot qualify for a Direct Plus Loan. In the state of Georgia, undocumented students are not eligible for the HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship, or other state aid programs.  Many private universities utilize the CSS profile, or their own financial aid forms, to help determine a student's financial need and to distribute institutional funds.  Undocumented students are able to complete the CSS profile.  Contact the financial aid office at the colleges you are applying to in order to determine what financial aid forms they need, and whether they will assist undocumented students with institutional aid.

Non-citizen eligibility for the FAFSA

CSS profile

Colleges that meet 100% of Demonstrated Need for US students regardless of status

In addition to federal or institutional aid, there are a variety of scholarships to help students pay for college.  Many scholarships do require proof of U.S. citizenship in order to apply, but many of them do not.  The following links have many resources available for scholarships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship.

Golden Door Scholars

Big Future Scholarships 

Immigrants Rising Scholarships

  MALDEF

The Dream US

My Undocumented Life Scholarship page

Appily Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Understanding FAFSA - Scholarships and Grants

International Students

Students that are in the U.S. on a visa or non-permanent status may be considered as international applicants when applying for college.  This varies depending on the state you live in, the type of visa you have, as well as the institution you are applying to.  It is recommended that you contact the colleges/universities you are applying to and discuss your specific situation with them and apply according to their recommendations. Additional application requirements and admission criteria may apply to international students.   

University System of Georgia Residency Classifications

General information about studying in the US as an international student.

Higher Ed Immigration Portal - International Students

Financial Aid for International Students

Students that are classified as international students are not allowed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or to receive federal student aid.  In addition, most states, including Georgia, do not allow international students to receive state aid programs such as HOPE/Zell Miller Scholarship. At most public institutions, international students are charged an out-of-state or international rate for attendance, which is significantly more expensive than the in-state tuition rates.  However, some institutions will provide financial aid to international students, and may have specific scholarships that international students can apply for.  Check with each school you are applying to for their costs and fees for international students, as well as institutional financial aid that is available to international students.  

See the resources below for information on affordable schools for international students, as well as eligibility for the FAFSA:

FAFSA Eligibility for Non-US Citizens

15 More Affordable Schools for International Students

North Carolina Promise Schools

Cheapest Schools for International Students

Scholarships for Non-US Citizens

Many institutions offer their own scholarships specifically to international applicants.  Check the website of each school you are applying to for scholarship information regarding international applicants.  In addition, explore the following resources for information regarding scholarships that do not require proof of US citizenship.

Big Future Scholarships

International Student Scholarships

Scholarships360.org