Filling Out the FAFSA: I Am an Undocumented Immigrant

Undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, are ineligible for federal student aid. However, they could still get aid from their state and college, including in-state tuition and scholarships.

» MORE: The U.S. financial system for new immigrants

Most undocumented students cannot complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because it requires a Social Security number (SSN). One key exception: DACA students with SSNs can still access the FAFSA, even though they cannot qualify for federal student aid. Submitting the FAFSA as a DACA student could open the door to state and institutional aid.

Depending on your state, you may need to fill out a state-specific financial aid application instead. Unlike the FAFSA, these forms may not require an SSN.

All undocumented students, regardless of their DACA status, should contact their college’s financial aid office before submitting the FAFSA or a state financial aid application. If you’re still in high school, contact your guidance counselor and the financial aid offices of the colleges to which you’re applying. Ask what forms you should fill out, and if they have any special instructions.

» MORE: What are the FAFSA requirements?

States that offer in-state tuition and financial aid to undocumented students

There are 25 states (plus Washington, D.C.) that offer in-state tuition to resident undocumented students, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. Here’s the full list, as of December 2024:

1. Arizona

2. California

3. Colorado

4. Connecticut

5. District of Columbia (D.C)

6. Florida

7. Hawaii

8. Illinois

9. Kansas

10. Kentucky

11. Maryland

12. Massachusetts

13. Minnesota

14. Nebraska

15. Nevada

16. New Jersey

17. New Mexico

18. New York

19. Oklahoma

20. Oregon

21. Rhode Island

22. Texas

23. Utah

24. Vermont

25. Virginia

26. Washington

Of those states, 19 (plus D.C.) also offer state financial aid to undocumented students.

Undocumented students may be eligible for scholarships and grants at some colleges, though this availability varies widely by institution. For example, The University of California at Berkeley allows undocumented immigrants to qualify for UC grants and Cal Grants.

» MORE: How DACA students can apply to college

Some states and colleges offer a FAFSA alternative which undocumented students who don’t have a Social Security number can access. For example, Maryland has the “One App” and Massachusetts has the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). These forms may allow undocumented students to qualify for state and institutional aid, including in-state tuition.

Steps for filling out the FAFSA for undocumented immigrants

1. Do not complete the FAFSA before contacting your high school guidance counselor and/or your college’s financial aid office. Explain your situation; see if they have university-specific advice or protocols.  

2. Your university may ask you to fill out the FAFSA with a Social Security number of 000-00-0000 to obtain a Student Aid Index, which they may use to determine your aid award. Some states allow undocumented students to access state financial aid, so they may ask you to submit a state-specific financial aid application instead of a FAFSA.

3. As an undocumented student, you must select the “Neither U.S. citizen nor eligible noncitizen” option on the FAFSA. 

4. If you are applying to a school that offers in-state tuition, ask the financial aid office if you can qualify for the reduced in-state tuition rate.

5. Apply for private scholarships and grants. If you need a student loan, some private lenders may allow you to borrow a student loan with a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen.

6. If your FAFSA is rejected due to an issue with your SSN, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for next steps.

» MORE: Tips for filling out the FAFSA as a first-generation college student