Do illegal immigrants get financial aid?


Editorial team Published on

No, undocumented immigrants cannot receive federal student financial aid. However, they may qualify for certain state, institutional, or private aid depending on where they live.

Federal Aid Eligibility

  • Federal ban: Undocumented students, including DACA recipients, cannot receive federal grants, work-study funds, or federal student loans.
  • FAFSA restriction: They cannot complete the standard Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) because it requires U.S. citizenship or an eligible noncitizen status.
  • Parent status: If a student is a U.S. citizen, their parents' undocumented status does not block the student from receiving federal aid.

State and Institutional Aid

  • State programs: Nearly 20 states and the District of Columbia allow eligible undocumented students to access state-funded financial aid.
  • Alternative applications: States often use separate forms instead of the FAFSA. For example, California students can apply through the CA Dream Act Application.
  • Institutional aid: Some public and private colleges offer their own institutional grants or scholarships to undocumented students regardless of federal rules.

Private Scholarships

  • Private options: Numerous private foundations and organizations offer scholarships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.