Scholarships for Undocumented Students

Can you send me a list of resources regarding scholarships for undocumented students

-Jose

Jose,

MALDEF offers scholarships to undocumented students. You should visit
their website at www.maldef.org for a list of scholarships or call
(213) 629-2512.

While you are not able to apply to general scholarships, you should
consider applying to private scholarships. Many of these private
scholarships award undocumented students money (however they do not
make this publicly known). When filling out the application, leave the
"Social Security" box or line blank.

Saludos,

Jazmin

More and more universities are not letting undocumented students enroll. Can you comment on this?

Hi Johnatan,

Are there any specific universities that you are referring to or have heard of that are no longer accepting undocumented students? This may be possible, but may also depend on the state that you are living in.

Here are some important things to take into account when applying to a university as an undocumented student.
1) There are nine states who allow in-state tuition for undocumented students; however, you must check their requirements. Most require that you attend high school in that state. These states are the following: California, Illinois, Kansas, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Washington.

2) Public universities or state colleges should not ask for proof of your citizenship or immigration status. They are not required to report undocumented students. You are allowed to leave the SSN space on the application blank.

3) Private colleges DO NOT receive federal funding, therefore, they are able to accept and give financial aid to undocumented students (depending on the school’s policy). Students interested in private universities should speak to the Admissions Office about their status.

-Jazmin

Jonathan,

You may also want to look on www.fastweb.com for additional scholarships. Just be sure to check the residency requirements. I addition, my advice would be don't take NO for an answer! I know many undocumented students who have found scholarships that they qualify for in every way except the residency requirements so they contact the provider to determine ther eligibility. Some of these organizations have told them that it was ok to apply and the students eventually were awarded the scholarship. You can feel free to call or email these organizations without providing our name in case you are concerned about revealing your undocumented status to them. It never hurts to ask!

Good luck in your search!

-Paz Oliverez

@Dr.Oliverez, thanks for this tip. I'm a high school counselor and I always wondered if my kids should try to call the organizations or if this would put them in jeopardy.

Romi,

If they feel uncomfortable, they can call the organizations and not provide personal information e.i. name, adress, etc.

- Jazmin

I created a portfolio to present to people I meet to see if they would help me find funding but so far it hasn't worked out. It looks like people don't really want to get involved in this issue. Like they are afraid something will happen to themif they help me. Do you have other ideas to get money to pay for college?

Hi Jeremy,

Mariela spoke on CNN about some creative ways to pay for college. You can read the CNN script on their website. Please go to the following link: [edition.cnn.com]. Make sure to read all the suggestions she gives to raise money for college expenses!

Also, take a look at the scholarships under the resources section and the "paying for school" discussions on our forum.

There are many ways to go about paying for school, and I'm sure you will find some that will work for you!

Best,
Amber George

You can find the video of the interview on CNN here on our website www.latinosincollege.com under Paying for Schools, where you can also find resources on Unconventional Ways to Pay for College and others for undocumented students if you visit Dr. Paz Oliverez blog on our Home page.
Saludos!

hello there i was just wondering how do i get a private scholarship i really want to back to school but im not eligible for any sort of loans or financial aid and i keep searching to find out how can i get help but i really need someone to give me an understanding of how is it possible to get a private scholarship.

Guadalupe,

Have you read Dr. Paz Maya Olivérez's blogs? She gives a lot of advice for undocumented students and how to get funding. You can visit her site at [drpazmayaoliverezforlatinosincollege.blogspot.com]. You may also contact her from there.

In addition, please visit our site "paying for school" and check out the link - "unconventional ways to pay for college" This will provide you with other ideas to pay for the university.

Good luck!

- Jazmin

Just wanted to share that I've been able to raise fund by talking to people in the community who know me from all the work i do as a volunteer. i created a portfolio of my work and a sheet with the cost of every credit i'm taking in college and I ask for donations of any size. Even $25 donations add up when you do this consistently throughout the year. I also visit local businesses and tell my story. Maybe this will help other students in the same situation.

Hello Jazmin,
Do you know where i can look for these private scholrships for undocumented students?

Where can i find private scholarships for undocumented students

Hola,
Que tal? estoy residiendo en Georgia y estoy buscando scholarships ya sean privadas o publicas. Se me hace dificil ir ala universidad pero estoy haciendo todo lo possible, ya que tengo muchas ganas. Me podrian ayudar a encontrar algunas por favor .,
-Gracias.

Yes, that is against the law. Schools cannot deny you admission based solely on the fact that you are undocumented.

Hello Everyone,

Please look at organizations such as MALDEF who offer scholarships to undocumented students. Please visit them at www.maldef.org or call (213) 629-2512. Also check out Latino College Dollars at www.latinocollegedollars.org.

In regards to private scholarships, that takes research. However, I would recommend starting with www.fastweb.com where you can create a profile.

Also, , I encourage you to visit Dr. Paz Maya Olivérez's blog - [http://drpazmayaoliverezforlatinosincollege.blogspot.com/]. She provides a lot of helpful tips and information for undocumented students.

Feel free to continue messaging us with more questions!

Jazmin Cameron, LIC Advisor

Hola a todos,

Por favor de mirar organizaciones como MALDEF que ofrecen becas a estudiantes indocumentados. Por favor visite a www.maldef.org o llame al (213) 629-2512. También puede visitar Latino College Dollars - www.latinocollegedollars.org.

En cuanto las becas privadas, esto requiere investigación. Sin embargo, le recomiendo que comenzien con el sitio www.fastweb.com donde puede crear un perfil.

Además, invitamos a visitar el blog del Dr. Paz Maya Olivérez-[http://drpazmayaoliverezforlatinosincollege.blogspot.com/]. Ella ofrece mucha información para estudiantes indocumentados y consejos útiles.

Por favor, siguen mandándonos mensaje con más preguntas!

Jazmin Cameron, LIC Advisor

Hello.
I have a question regarding scholarships for undocumented students. I currently go to a state college so I was able to pay the tuition by working as much as possible. However, I am applying to law schools this fall. My question is, is it possible to receive some kind of scholarship from private schools? Or even if accepted, will they tell me to pay 'the sticker price'? I have a legal social security number, does it change anything? Can I receive any kind of aid from schools or do I have to look into the "private" sector?
Thank YOU very much!

Hello Jose,

Private schools do not receive federal funds, therefore, they are able to use their money as they see fit. There is higher probability that they would be willing to offer scholarships or funding to undocumented students.

I would recommend that you apply to the law schools that you are interested regardles of whether they are public or private. Check to see what scholarships or fellowships are available. Even if requirements state that you must be a U.S. citizen, there have been organizations who have awarded students regardless of their status. Check our main page and click under Paying for school.

I encourage you to get in touch with MALDEF, which offers assistance to undocumented students. You can contact them at the (213) 629-2512 or visit www.maldef.org.

I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to message us again.

Suerte!

Jazmin Cameron, LIC Advisor