There are millions of undocumented people living and working in the U.S., As of 2024, there were approximately 1.1 million undocumented students under the age of 18, and about 5.3 million children and teens living with at least one parent who is undocumented.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical first step in applying for college financial aid, and it’s an important tool for both U.S. citizens and undocumented students. However, due to the Trump Administration’s stricter stance on immigration, families may have to reconsider how they handle the FAFSA this year.
How to Handle the FAFSA If Your Parents Are Undocumented
If you’re a U.S. citizen but your parents are undocumented, you’re still eligible for federal financial aid. As a citizen, you can qualify for Pell Grants, federal work-study programs, and federal student loans.
The FAFSA does ask about your citizenship status, and it also asks about your parents’ income, tax return information, and their Social Security numbers.
The Higher Education Act limited how the information from the FAFSA could be used, so previously, financial aid experts urged children with undocumented parents to proceed with the FAFSA to get all of the aid they were entitled to receive.
However, the Trump Administration has a more aggressive stance toward immigration than previous administrations. As a result, organizations like the National College Attainment Network (NCAN) have issued updated guidance:
“Although the Higher Education Act prohibits the use of data for any purpose other than determining and awarding federal financial assistance, at this time NCAN cannot assure mixed-status students and families that data submitted to US Department of Education (ED), as part of the FAFSA process, will continue to be protected,” said the guidance. “Whether or not you should fill out a FAFSA is a decision that you should make with your family.”
Keep in mind that if you have filled out the FAFSA in the past, your information is already stored. Any changes you make to the FAFSA now will simply update existing information, such as updates to your household income or family size.
How to Handle the FAFSA If You’re an Undocumented Student
About 408,000 undocumented students are currently enrolled in college. Undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status, are ineligible for federal aid, including federal grants, work-study programs, and federal loans.
However, some forms of aid are still available to you, including (in some states) state-based aid and institutional aid. To be considered for those forms of aid, you may need to complete the FAFSA.
With the latest guidance from NCAN and other financial aid organizations, you may be cautious about submitting the FAFSA this year. If that’s the case, you may be able to apply for state or institutional aid by completing a state-specific financial aid application, or by applying for aid directly through your school.
For example, in California, undocumented students can qualify for state-based aid by filling out the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).
You can find out what options you may have by visiting your state education agency and contacting your school’s financial aid department.
Other Financial Aid Options
If you or your family are undocumented residents, you may have to explore other financial aid options. The following tools can be useful financing tools:
State-Based Aid
Some states allow undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition rates, and they may even offer grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. For example, in California, undocumented students may be eligible for the Cal Grant, an award worth up to $6,000.
Learn More: How to Find State-Based Financial Aid Programs
Institutional Aid
Many colleges and universities offer grants and scholarships to all students, regardless of their citizenship status. For example, American University considers all students for its merit-based scholarships.
Independent Grants and Scholarships
You may be eligible for grants and scholarships provided by private companies and non-profit organizations. Many awards are specifically designed for undocumented students or the children of immigrants.
For example, the TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship for Immigrant Students covers the cost of tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at an eligible university until the student earns a bachelor’s degree, up to a maximum of $100,000.
You can use the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund’s searchable database to find potential awards.
Private Student Loans
If you’re ineligible for federal financial aid and exhaust other financing options, private student loans may be a solution. If you’re a citizen but your parents are not, you can still qualify for a private student loan if you have a relative or friend who is a U.S. citizen who is willing to co-sign your loan application. Private student loans may offer a way to cover the remaining amount you need to cover the cost of attendance.
