The first thing you should know is that no federal law prevents U.S. colleges from admitting undocumented students. And only a few states have placed any kind of restrictions on undocumented students attending public colleges and universities. In Virginia, all students can attend public colleges or universities, but check with the school on their policy for in-state tuition rates for undocumented students. In most cases, colleges set their own rules for admitting undocumented students, so you should research the policies of the colleges you are interested in attending. You should also know that undocumented students cannot receive federal financial aid for college- the type of aid on which many students rely. However, undocumented students can get financial aid or scholarships for college in other ways.

You’re the one who will have to put in the work it takes to get to college- but building a support network is key. Start with your family. Make sure they know you want to go to college. Talk with them about your options for choosing a college and paying for your education. You can also seek advice from trusted teachers and counselors at your high school. Along with giving you guidance, they might be able to put you in touch with other undocumented students who have successfully enrolled in college or with college admission counselors who can help you. If you’re worried about telling teachers and counselors that you’re undocumented, be aware that, by law, school officials cannot disclose information about students- including their immigration status.

As you look for colleges that match your wants and needs, you might want to find out if the colleges you’re interested in have programs, student organizations or centers that support first-generation immigrant students. You may consider applying to private colleges, rather than public institutions. Reviewing college websites and publications is a good place to start.