Well-Being, Learning, and Achievement
Undocumented Students Resources
The purpose of this page is to provide resources and information for undocumented high school students, both with and without DACA, to help families make informed decisions about their futures and acquire the tools they need to advocate for themselves at the high school and college levels. While geared primarily toward the needs of undocumented students, this page may also be helpful to students with other immigrant backgrounds and experiences.
One thing you should know as an undocumented student is that legally, educators and staff at K-12 schools cannot inquire about your immigration status or the immigration status of your family. You have the power to disclose information about your immigration status if you feel comfortable doing so.
Below are a few possible paths for high school graduates and some resources to help you achieve them.
RESOURCES FOR ACCESSING HIGHER EDUCATION
There are more than 450,000 undocumented students currently enrolled in higher education who have already navigated the college process. These resources will help guide students through the college application process. As you decide what is next for you after graduating from high school, we encourage you to seek out support from your school counselors, College Career Information Coordinators, teachers, etc. To read more about vocational schools, community colleges, and four-year universities, go to Resources for High School Students Preparing for College or Trade School.
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid but can access state financial aid in some states. The best way to find out about Maryland’s higher education policies for undocumented students is by visiting the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. The interactive map on the Higher Ed Immigration Portal contains up-to-date information on each state’s higher education accessibility, in-state tuition, and state financial aid for undocumented students. Students can often also get financial aid directly from their college or university, particularly if they are attending a private institution. In order to determine the amount of aid they will provide, colleges may ask students to fill out financial aid forms such as College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. Some schools may even ask undocumented students to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) even if they are not eligible for federal aid (FAFSA). Private scholarships or other aid that is not controlled by a college, university, or government entity can be need-based or merit-based.
In-state Tuition Status Options
Two different University System of Maryland tuition residency policies help many undocumented students qualify for in-state tuition rates. The first policy is the Maryland Dream Act which applies to many different types of undocumented students. The second policy only applies to students who were granted DACA status through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. For more information on both programs, see tuition residency requirements.
Scholarship Information
Some aid programs have citizenship requirements, but others do not. Review the eligibility requirements of each aid program to determine if it requires U.S. citizenship status. Most merit-based scholarships don't have citizenship requirements.
The citizenship requirements vary for aid programs from the Maryland Higher Education Commission
Maryland Dream Act: The Maryland Dream Act provides graduates of Maryland high schools who are undocumented immigrants the opportunity to pay in-state tuition rates. Students must meet certain requirements.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS): The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program protects eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA students can temporarily qualify for in-state tuition if they submit the approval notification of their Deferred Action status.
Resources:
Resources for Applying to College as an Undocumented Student
Watch an educational video and hear other’s stories
Towson Undocumented Students page
University of Maryland : Undocumented student program
Montgomery College Undocumented Student page
Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services Slideshow