Last updated: October 13, 2017
For students across the United States, the college application process can feel lengthy and complex. Not to mention the substantial resources required, and the tools necessary to navigate the collegiate landscape; all before stepping foot into the classroom. But of the 11.3 million undocumented individuals currently residing in the U.S, there are thousands of students falling into this category that often
Despite undocumented students inability to receive federal funding, there are still many options available to receive support. With private institutional funding and the state college’s independent decision to allocate scholarships, the American dream is possible beyond borders.
How to Pay | Preparation | Undocumented Student Scholarships | All Scholarships
Your strengths and passions are the best way to stand out and allow yourself be heard during the application process. Do you have a favorite hobby? Love to volunteer? The more you can show how you give back to your community, the more the application committee will see your value.
But the road to your degree is made up of more than just passion and strength; it’s a costly investment. However, the sooner you start learning about your options for financing your college education, the sooner you can begin chasing it.
This is the most common way undocumented students can receive support towards their education, most of which are created by private institutions that are free to set their own financial aid policies and award scholarships.
Some colleges offering in-state tuition have scholarships available specifically for undocumented students and/or underrepresented groups and affiliates. To learn more, contact your local state colleges to see what options are available to you.
If you’re just beginning the process of finding suitable scholarships, make sure you’re prepared for the application process by starting a folder with the assets below.
To help fund your degree, follow our guide and use the interactive tool to sort through 40 of the most targeted scholarship opportunities for undocumented students based on award amount or need-based aid.
Instructions: Click through the dropdowns below to sort by award amount or if you’re looking for need-based aid. Click the box for a larger view.
Amount: $1,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: May 5, 2018
Must be a passionate creative student, attend a college or graduate school in the New York tri-state area, major in any creative field, and submit the application for consideration.
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
For consideration for a fellowship, students must be accepted into an MBA program at one of the Forte sponsored schools. Preference for women that demonstrate academic and creative leadership and community
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
The Emerging Economy Fellowships are offered to support students in the Wharton University of Pennsylvania, specifically for students from economies throughout the world. You must be from a country with an emerging economy and demonstrate financial need to be eligible for this award.
Amount: $1,000
Awards Available: 4
Deadline: June 10, 2018
Scholarships will be awarded to graduating LAUSD seniors who are first in their immediate families to go to college. Preference will go to students who have been in foster care, homeless, undocumented students, and/or LGBTQ.
Amount: $23,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: February 15, 2018
Must be a resident of Illinois to apply. Students with a GPA of 2.5 with SAT/ACT composite scores meeting the required minimum will be considered for this scholarship.
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: October 27, 2017
Applicants from states where DACA or TPS should have strong academic performance. Students attending community college or public universities paying out-of-state-tuition are
Amount: $2,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: May 31, 2018
This program invests in Latino students that demonstrate excellence in academics, community engagement, leadership and financial aid. Students pursuing two-to-four year universities, community colleges, and vocational schools may apply.
Amount: $5,000
Awards Available: 10
Deadline: May 31, 2018
Latino students in Arizona and California are qualified to apply. Scholarships are based solely on academic performance, leadership, extracurricular activities, commitment to volunteer service and financial need.
Amount: $24,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: December 1, 2017
To apply, you must be a legal resident of South Carolina, as a high school senior or junior graduating early. U.S. citizens and TPS may apply.
Amount: $500-$5000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: April 2, 2018
The HSF Scholarship is for Hispanic students currently enrolled full-time at an accredited
Amount: up to $25,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: March 8, 2018
Applicants must have earned their associates degree from a community college with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Must intend to enroll full-time in a bachelors degree program and be eligible for in-state tuition. Financial need will be considered heavily.
Amount: up to $10,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: March 1, 2018
Applicants are only required to submit one application for consideration for all scholarships. Must be an active member of the United Methodist Church for at least one year prior to application. Must also be pursuing a degree at an accredited university with a GPA of 2.5 or higher for consideration.
Amount: $20,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: June 9, 2018
This scholarship is available to high school seniors or graduates who live in a targeted locked-out state and have a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Cannot be currently enrolled in a four-year college. Must have come to the U.S. before 16th birthday.
Amount: $8,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: March 10, 2018
Must attend a full-time accredited university for eligibility. Preference towards students that demonstrate financial need, recent immigration, and people of color that demonstrate leadership capacities. Community service is favored.
Amount: $10,000
Awards Available: 10
Deadline: October 26, 2017
High school seniors are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Must demonstrate financial need, and a resident of participating California counties.
Amount: $25,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: December 15, 2017
This four-year fellowship program supports students entering Ph.D. programs and
Amount: $500
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: September 20, 2017
Students who are between the ages of 18 and 25 enrolled in an accredited university are eligible to apply. Winners will be selected based on a 500-word essay about the importance of education.
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship is available to support graduate students in any field of instruction who need financial assistance to continue their education and demonstrate a desire to make a difference for humanity. Students will be evaluated based on their personal statement and financial need.
Amount: $2,000
Awards Available: 1
Deadline: May 1, 2018
Amount: $500-$1,500
Awards Available: 3
Deadline: July 31, 2018
Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. Must attend a U.S. university with a 2.75 GPA or higher to be eligible to win.
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: January 30, 2018
Students must be enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. Must identify as LGBTQ affiliated. Community college students, trade students or online programs do not qualify.
Amount: $6,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Applicants must be a resident of northern or central California but may study elsewhere. Must plan to attend an accredited graduate program or trade school for consideration.
Amount: $2,500-$5,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: March 31, 2018
Applicants must have been a child of the foster care system or orphaned. Students must be accepted into an accredited institution and under the age of 25 to apply.
Amount: $15,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: December 15, 2017
Several awards of up to 15,000 are awarded to graduate students of UCLA within the fields of science and
Amount: $500-$1,000
Awards Available: 5
Deadline: January 1, 2018
Applicants must be seniors in college with the intention of pursuing an advanced degree in a U.S. medical school. Personal qualities, financial
Amount: $1,000
Awards Available: 1
Deadline: June 15, 2018
Students planning on or already enrolled in a major relating to the field of sustainability are eligible to apply. Must take at least 10 credit hours.
Amount: $1,000-$10,000
Awards Available: 30
Deadline: April 1, 2018
Students must demonstrate active
Amount: $10,000
Awards Available: 5
Deadline: June 1, 2018
This scholarship is for graduate students planning to attend a law program. Must demonstrate a defined interest in civil rights through academics. Must also show wide-range of extracurriculars to demonstrate a well-rounded candidate.
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Open to all US citizens and DACA status students are eligible to apply. Individuals with evidence of superior academic achievement and those committed to a career in teaching or research at the university level are
Amount: Varies
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: October 1, 2018
First-time applicants must have a parent employed as a California strawberry
Amount: $2,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
This scholarship was established in memory of distinguished director of Sunkist Growers and agricultural leader, to provide funds for undergraduate students from Arizona or California agricultural backgrounds who are in need of financial assistance. GPA and extracurriculars must demonstrate
Amount: full four-year tuition
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: September 27, 2017
This program pairs high-achieving, low-income students with 38 of the nations top colleges, and awards full four-year scholarships including room and board to QuestBride scholars. Based on class rank, test scores, and evidence of strong writing, intellectual spark, and
Amount: up to $40,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: April 21, 2018
The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need and high-
Amount: full one-year tuition, monthly stipend, internship
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: January 31, 2018
To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program at a university in the U.S, Canada, or Mexico. Must show satisfactory progress towards a degree in computer science or related fields. Must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
Amount: $1,000-$10,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
Graduating seniors regardless of citizenship status are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their art or writing for consideration for this creative award. Artists will be selected based on the quality of their originality, technical skill, and
Amount: $2,000-$5,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: Varies
The National Association for Hispanic Journalists scholarship opportunities are open to college-bound high school seniors, college undergraduates and graduate students pursuing careers in English or Spanish print, broadcast, digital, or photojournalism. Students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher are eligible for these national scholarships.
Amount: up to $10,000
Awards Available: Varies
Deadline: May 2018
This contest is open worldwide. Entries must be written in English, and applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree for consideration. Judges will look for writing that is clear, logical, and articulate.