higher EDUCATION
Meet the loboden
Going through the process of getting into college can be very intimidating for any low-income and first-generation college student. However, undocumented students & children of undocumented parents have added hardships.
Undocumented students have obstacles in the areas of admissions, tuition cost, & financial aid- which vary by state.
Children of undocumented immigrants may lack paperwork needed to apply for financial aid.
It is highly recommended that if you or your parents are undocumented, you visit your advisor as early as possible.
Get familiar with the LoboDen (located in 'the Commons.) The LoboDen's advisors help ALL students, regardless of their immigration status, with support and guidance.
For more updates follow @ChavezLoboDen on Twitter!
Undocu myths
Few undocumented students pursue higher education because of the following myths:
MYTH - Non-citizens aren't admitted into college/ universities. FACT - There isn't a law saying that undocumented students cannot enroll in college. You don't even have to have DACA; you CAN go to college!
MYTH - Non-citizens will be charged more, as an international / out-of-state-student. FACT - In the state of Texas, undocumented students who meet residency requirements, are eligible for in-state-tuition. This means school is more affordable!
MYTH - Non-citizens don't qualify for financial aid for college. FACT - Undocumented students will not qualify for US federal aid (FASFA.) However, In Texas, undocumented students may qualify for TASFA, which is state financial aid.
Texas Application for State Financial Aid is aid- specifically for undocumented students. TASFA is accepted at manyTEXAS institutions, public or private. You must meet the residency requirements.
To qualify as a resident:
You must have graduated or will graduate from a Texas High School or received a GED in the state of TX.
You must have lived in TX for at least 3 years leading up to you getting a diploma / GED.
Must have lived in TX for 12 months prior to enrollment of college.
You will complete a TASFA application for each university you' re applying to, with your college / university ID#. If you have not received an ID# you can contact the college or university.
Step-by-step video instructions.
Scholarships
It's true that there are less scholarship opportunities for undocumented students. However, there are a growing number of private scholarships that don't require legal status. In order to increase your chances of getting these scholarships, review the following tips:
Apply to all scholarships eligible for non-citizens. If they don’t say that undocumented or non-citizens can apply, then students should contact the scholarship to clarify & see if they can make an exception. It never hurts to ask!
For scholarships that are specifically for undocumented students; students should use their personal story of being undocumented to their advantage. In your personal statement discuss your undocumented status, but make sure to highlight all of your accomplishments despite the setbacks that being undocumented brings.
Download DREAMer's Roadmap - an APP that helps undocumented students find scholarships. It not only filters for eligible scholarships but also gives you reminders of deadlines. Available HERE.
For more information on scholarships visit:
Being undocumented presents many challenges but immigrant youth can still accomplish the seemingly impossible. Larissa Martinez is a living example of this. She revealed her undocumented status during her valedictorian speech. Larissa proves that anything is possible with determination.
"...I hope I can convince all of you that if I can break every stereotype based on what I am classified as - Mexican, female, undocumented - so can you... "
- Larissa Martinez
Valedictorian, Class of 2016