Can DACA students apply for FAFSA?

I'm a DACA recipient trying to plan my college finances, and I'm a bit confused about whether I can fill out the FAFSA. I keep hearing mixed information. If DACA students aren't eligible, are there alternative financial aid options that I should be looking into? I really want to make sure I apply for every aid option available to me.

While DACA recipients have access to several resources, unfortunately, submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not explicitly available to DACA students. Federal financial aid—that is, money from the U.S. government—is primarily out of reach. In general, federal financial aid, including federal loans, work-study, and grants such as the Pell Grant, are not open to DACA students.

That being said, some DACA recipients do fill out a FAFSA application not to apply for federal aid, but rather to generate a Student Aid Report (SAR) that colleges and universities can then use to determine institutional financial aid. However, you should consult with each individual school's financial aid office to confirm their specific policies around this.

Now, while you can't access federal aid, you absolutely have other financial avenues to explore. Many states—in fact, most—offer state-level financial aid to DACA students. Several such as California, Texas, Oklahoma, and Illinois, allow undocumented students, including DACA recipients, to access state-based financial aid. This typically requires a different application process than FAFSA, and the specifics can vary by state.

Private scholarships are also available to you regardless of your citizenship status. Local community organizations, nonprofits, foundations, and even some colleges offer scholarships that are available to all students irrespective of immigration status. For example, TheDream.US National Scholarship is a major scholarship program specifically for undocumented immigrant students. There are many others out there as well; you just need to look.

Lastly, institutional aid from colleges and universities can play a significant role. Institutional aid policies can vary greatly in terms of both eligibility and generosity, so you'll want to thoroughly research each school you're considering. Contact colleges' financial aid offices directly to understand what opportunities might be available to you.

I understand that this process can be challenging and stressful. Please know that your hard work and determination will pay off. Good luck with your planning—and your applications!