| Undocumented Students |  Printer-Friendly Format |
If your question does not appear, email
a TERI Education
Advisor for assistance.
- I am an undocumented student. Can I go to college?
- Can I obtain financial assistance or loans to finance my education if I am undocumented?
- Will I be able to pay in-state tuition at a state college or university?
- Without a social security number, how do I fill out the college application?
- What are safe resources available to find out more about my immigrant status?
1. I am an undocumented student. Can I go to
college?
Yes and no. You can register for classes at many colleges, even without legal immigrant status. However, some colleges might not allow you to matriculate as a "degree-seeking" student, so you might not be able to get a degree or certificate. There are some colleges which will allow you to matriculate as a degree-seeking student paying out-of-state tuition rates. The states of Washington, California, New York, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah have passed bills that let undocumented students pay in-state tuition and more than a dozen other states are considering similar proposals.
Yes and no. You can register for classes at many colleges, even without legal immigrant status. However, some colleges might not allow you to matriculate as a "degree-seeking" student, so you might not be able to get a degree or certificate. There are some colleges which will allow you to matriculate as a degree-seeking student paying out-of-state tuition rates. The states of Washington, California, New York, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah have passed bills that let undocumented students pay in-state tuition and more than a dozen other states are considering similar proposals.
2. Can I obtain financial assistance or loans to
finance my education if I am undocumented?
In order to receive federal and state financial assistance (including
federal or state loans) a student must be a citizen, legal resident, refugee, or asylees.
To secure a private loan, an applicant including any co-borrower much
submit appropriate documentation approved by the U.S. which documents his or her legal
right to stay in the U.S. during the academic period.
For institutional or private scholarships, the sponsor may decide
what constitutes necessary documentation.
3. Will I be able to pay in-state tuition at a state
college or university?
No. It is necessary for a student to be a legal resident, refugee, or asylum-seeker in order to eligible for in-state tuition. But, you can pay the regular fee if you enroll in Continuing Education courses at a college. However, efforts are being made to change the law to allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition fees. For more information, visit the Dream Act at www.yourgoals.org. For Massachusetts residents, contact the East Boston Ecumenical Community Council. This answer applies here in MA only.
No. It is necessary for a student to be a legal resident, refugee, or asylum-seeker in order to eligible for in-state tuition. But, you can pay the regular fee if you enroll in Continuing Education courses at a college. However, efforts are being made to change the law to allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition fees. For more information, visit the Dream Act at www.yourgoals.org. For Massachusetts residents, contact the East Boston Ecumenical Community Council. This answer applies here in MA only.
4. Without a social security number, how do I fill out the college application?
Instead of using your social security number, you can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) or leave it blank.
Instead of using your social security number, you can use your Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN) or leave it blank.
5. What are safe resources available to find out
more about my immigrant status?
Below, is a list of some organizations in the greater Boston area that offer advice, information, and other services to people who have immigrated to the United States. These organizations are safe resources for immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
Below, is a list of some organizations in the greater Boston area that offer advice, information, and other services to people who have immigrated to the United States. These organizations are safe resources for immigrants, regardless of their legal status.
Asian American Civic Association
200 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116
Tel.: (617) 426-9492
200 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116
Tel.: (617) 426-9492
Catholic Charities, Refugee and Immigration Services
270 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143
Tel.: (617) 625-1920
270 Washington St., Somerville, MA 02143
Tel.: (617) 625-1920
Centro Presente
54 Essex St., Cambridge, MA 02139-2609
Tel.: (617) 497-9080
54 Essex St., Cambridge, MA 02139-2609
Tel.: (617) 497-9080
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center
1 West St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel.: (617) 661-1010
1 West St., Cambridge, MA 02139
Tel.: (617) 661-1010
Greater Boston Legal Services
197 Friend St., Boston, MA 02114
Tel.: (617) 603-1808
197 Friend St., Boston, MA 02114
Tel.: (617) 603-1808
Haitian Multi-Service Center
12 Bicknell St., Dorchester, MA 02121
Tel.: (617) 436-2848
12 Bicknell St., Dorchester, MA 02121
Tel.: (617) 436-2848
International Institute of Boston
1 Milk St., Boston, MA 02109
Tel.: (617) 695-9990
1 Milk St., Boston, MA 02109
Tel.: (617) 695-9990
MIRA (Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition)
105 Chauncy St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Tel.: (617) 350-5480
105 Chauncy St., 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
Tel.: (617) 350-5480
Pair Project
14 Beacon St., Room 804a, Boston, MA 02108
Tel.: (617) 742-9296
14 Beacon St., Room 804a, Boston, MA 02108
Tel.: (617) 742-9296