Why is the college process different for undocumented students?

I'm trying to understand how the college application process works for undocumented students. Are there extra steps involved or specific schools that are more welcoming? How do financial aid options look for someone in this situation?

Undocumented students can certainly face a few unique challenges while navigating the college admissions process, but many schools are more than welcoming of all students, regardless of their immigration status. One of the first steps for these students would be to determine which colleges and universities are more supportive of undocumented students, as not all schools consider undocumented students for admission. Some colleges and universities, for example, will publicly declare themselves as "sanctuary campuses," which means that they have policies and resources in place to help undocumented students.

Financial aid options, unfortunately, can be a bit more difficult. Federal financial aid is generally not available to undocumented students. However, some states allow undocumented students to apply for state financial aid. Therefore, students should carefully research the specific rules in their state. Private scholarships are regular sources of funding for undocumented students. Many scholarships do not have a citizenship requirement and are open to all students.

Undocumented students should also consider the option of applying as an international student. This can sometimes increase a student's opportunities for admission or merit-based aid, though it varies from college to college. It's important for these students to reach out to the admissions offices at the colleges they're interested in to get more accurate information about the school's specific policies and to better understand their options.

To help through all of this, and more, many high schools and community organizations offer free resources and guidance to undocumented students during the college application process, which might include personalized advice, assistance with paperwork, and even help identifying welcoming colleges.

One last critical piece of information is related to DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals). If an undocumented student is a DACA recipient, that can also change their possibilities related to work-study programs and in-state tuition, depending on the state. DACA recipients have a social security number which can help them qualify for certain kinds of aid.

So, while the process can be more challenging for undocumented students, there are definitely resources and options available, and many schools are committed to making higher education accessible for all students.