Undocumented Students

As an undocumented student, it is important that you know your rights and stay informed about immigration policy.

Resources for Undocumented Students

Undocumented

An undocumented student refers to students who were born outside the United States, but have lived in the country for a significant portion of their lives, and who reside here with no documentation stating U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

Illinois Community College Board Administrative Rules (23 Admin Code 1501.501) and guidance approved on January 20, 2017 that in-district tuition should be paid by those community college students meeting the residency rules for in-district tuition regardless of citizenship status.

Professions that require state licensing or certification require background checks, a social security number and state examinations. If you are undocumented, it may be difficult to pursue any type of state licensing or certification. Some of the professions that require a state license or certificate are in health care, education, and government. Potential friendly careers include, business ownership, hotel management, restaurants, journalism, computers, manual labor, trade fields, radio and TV broadcasting, administrative positions, and cash based business.

As part of the Rise Act, undocumented and transgender students can apply for state grants using the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid.

Undocumented students are not eligible to apply for other state and federal financial aid, but may be eligible for many private scholarships.

Begin looking for scholarships as early as possible. Work with your high school guidance counselor or any other school personnel who you trust.

Contact individual groups or colleges/universities about resources that may be available. Some private scholarships available to undocumented students living in Illinois include: 

View Federal Student Aid's resource on Financial Aid and Undocumented Students.

Scholarship Do's and Don'ts

  • Check eligibility requirements for the scholarships you are interested in applying for.
  • If an application asks for your Social Security number and you do not have one yet, leave that space blank.
  • Contact the scholarship provider for application details and deadlines.
  • Provide accurate information. Providing false information or providing a false Social Security number is a Federal offense.
  • Scholarship scams exist. Do not pay any fees to apply for scholarships.

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