Application Process

Application Process for Undocumented Students

This information is to help guide you on where you can start and the steps you may have to take. Please do your own research and if the higher institutions you are interested in are undocumented/DACA friendly.

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Application Process

1. Research Schools

   • Research schools that are undocumented/DACA-friendly. These schools can help with the costs by classifying you as a domestic student instead of an international one.

   • Many schools have an application fee. Depending on your economic status, speak to your school counselor about fee waivers.

2. Gather Material

   • Gather what you will need for college applications and scholarships: recommendation letters, resumes, transcripts, essays, e.t.c

3. Go in person or call the Admissions Office

   • It is best to go to admissions in person, but if you are unable to, calling the office will do. If in person, bring the required documents. If by phone, have your documents scanned and be ready to email.

   • If you are uncertain what documents to bring, call the office for help before going in person.

     • These documents are usually proof of having lived or are living in the state you are in. (utility bill, bank account, public school records)

   • Articulate your words and speak professionally.

   • If in person, bring along a friend/professor who knows your situation for support or credibility.

4. Ask for instructions or process for applying to college as a non-citizen OR without SSN 

   • “Hello, I was told to come here to receive instructions on the process for applying to college as a student without SSN OR non-citizen…”

   • Some colleges have a special number to put in place of the SSN (ex. 888-88-8888)

5. Speak with the Financial Aid Office

   • A school may need additional information from you. Speak with the Financial Aid Office to be sure of what they require.

   • Depending on the school, you may be asked to submit FAFSA.

6. Follow up

   • The following steps you will take next may vary from institute. Follow the directions of your institute.

Financing Aspect Without SSN

1. Undocumented students are eligible for privately funded scholarships, not FAFSA 

   • Research your institute's privately funded scholarships, foundation scholarships, or external funding. If there are scholarships that you can apply for, apply early!

   • Seek opportunities for eligible foundation scholarships if you are in band, orchestra, choir, etc. 

   • Find ways to connect with such professors before graduating to build a strong reputation personality-wise.

2. Attending an institution with “DOMESTIC TUITION”

   1. If you applied to an undocumented/DACA school that confirmed that they could change your tuition to“domestic” make sure that this is done upon acceptance into the school. If you are accidentally charged“international,” speak with the financial aid office.

3. Attending an institution with “IN-STATE-TUITION”

   1. If you live in the same state that you are attending an undocumented/DACA-friendly school, you may be classified for “in-state tuition.” If you applied to an undocumented/DACA school that confirmed that they could change your tuition to “in-state” make sure that this is done upon acceptance into the school. If you are accidentally charged “out-of-state,” speak with the financial aid office.

   2. With proof of residency in your state, get a contact number and name for the person in charge of finances/tuition.

   3. Tell them that you need to adjust tuition from “out-of-state” to “in-state” in a convincing and friendly manner.

   4. The person responsible for charging tuition to your account should be able to bypass “out-of-state” to “in-state tuition.”

Other

1. Tuition is charged by semester, not by year!

   • (ex. Fall Semester 2026 Tuition: $5,987); This would be the cost of one semester

   • Be sure to look at the portal on your school account to know how much you will owe for the semester.

   • Look for a mistake if the school is charging you “out-of-state,” sometimes abbreviated as “OS”

2. Get to know your Professors

   • If you can visit the institute you will be applying to, try to meet with your professors early. For example, if you are a high school senior in band, reach out to a professor of the instrument you play to set up a private lesson. Genuinely get to know your professor. If you are comfortable telling them your situation, it may help the application process.

3. Research EARLY, have all required documents EARLY and apply EARLY.