Can I Get a Student Loan Without a Green Card?

Undocumented students, including students who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, are not eligible for federal student aid, but they may still be eligible for state or college aid, in addition to private scholarships. You will need to check with your high school counselor or the financial aid office of the school you wish to apply to and see what kind of aid is available to you.

In-State Tuition Legislation

Some states have enacted legislation that allows undocumented students who meet certain qualifications to be charged in-state tuition at some or all public post secondary institutions in the state. Currently the states which have enacted such legislation or have university systems that offer in-state tuition are:

Common Eligibility Requirements:

• attending a state high school for 2 to 4 years,
• earning a high school diploma or GED in the state
• enrolling in a public postsecondary institution in the state
• filing an affidavit stating intent to legalize status and become a permanent resident

Disclosure of Status

If you are concerned about discussing your undocumented status with a conselor at a financial aid office, you should not be. A financial aid counselor is not required to report your status to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Additional Resources

The following organizations may help direct you to scholarship opportunities that can apply to undocumented students:

• The College Board’s Repository of Resources for Undocumented Students
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) - Scholarship Resource Guide
• The Dream.US - Scholarships
• Immigrants Rising - Scholarship Fund