Embedded Files
Undocumented students cannot apply for federal aid through the FAFSA but may qualify for in-state tuition and can access state aid through the New York State Dream Act application.
NYS Dream Act
NYS Dream Act
The Senator José Peralta New York State DREAM Act gives students who received their high school degree or GED in New York State and students receiving in-state tuition, including undocumented students, access to New York State‐administered student financial aid to support their higher education costs.
Eligibility Requirements
If you fit one of the descriptions below, you may be eligible for one or more NYS student financial aid awards under the DREAM Act:
Your permanent home is in NYS, and you are or have ONE of the following:
U-Visa
T-Visa
Temporary protected status, pursuant to the Federal Immigration Act of 1990
Without lawful immigration status (including those with DACA status)
AND you meet ONE of the following criteria:
You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma OR
You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within 10 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma OR
You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma OR
You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within 10 years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma OR
You are or will be charged the NYS resident in-state tuition rate at a SUNY or CUNY college for a reason other than residency.
Note: Students seeking NYS financial aid for the first time, including TAP, must pass a federally approved ATB test identified by the Board of Regents if they do not have a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent.
Your permanent home is outside of NYS, and you are or have ONE of the following:
U.S. citizen
Permanent lawful resident
Of a class of refugees paroled by the attorney general under his or her parole authority pertaining to the admission of aliens to the U.S.
U-Visa
T-Visa
Temporary protected status, pursuant to the Federal Immigration Act of 1990
Without lawful immigration status (including those with DACA status)
AND you meet ONE of the following criteria:
You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma OR
You attended a NYS high school for 2 or more years, graduated from a NYS high school, and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within 10 years of receiving your NYS high school diploma OR
You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for undergraduate study at a NYS college within 5 years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma OR
You received a NYS high school equivalency diploma and enroll or enrolled for graduate study at a NYS college within 10 years of receiving your NYS high school equivalency diploma OR
You are or will be charged the NYS resident in-state tuition rate at a SUNY or CUNY college for a reason other than residency
Resources for Undocumented Students
CUNY Undocumented Student Support - CUNY's resource website for undocumented students
SUNY Undocumented Student Support - SUNY's resource website for undocumented students
The Dream.US - provides more than 10,000 college scholarships to Dreamers attending close to 80 partner colleges in 20+ states and Washington, D.C.
Understanding FAFSA - List of grants and scholarships for undocumented students
Immigrant Rising - curated list of scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of citizenship
Scholarship Resources Specifically for Undocumented Students
Scholarships don't ask for immigration status
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