How To Pay For College as an Undocumented Student

There are two basic types of financial aid — gift aid and self-help aid.

  1. Gift aid is assistance received that does not typically have to be repaid. For example, scholarships and grants typically do not need to be paid back.
  2. Self-help aid includes work opportunities and loans. It is called self-help because the individual takes responsibility for receiving it. For example, Federal Work-Study programs and loans are self-help aid and do need to be earned or paid back.

Financial aid comes from many different sources, including the federal government, the State of Illinois (for Illinois residents), your college, and/or your employer or your parent’s employer. Plus, many private sources provide financial aid, such as agencies, associations, and organizations (e.g., corporations, civic, religious, philanthropic groups, and associations related to your field of interest).

You can improve your chances of obtaining financial aid by planning ahead, applying early, and reading directions carefully. Since private financial aid programs generally have early deadlines, start researching these sources during your sophomore or junior year of high school or two to three years before you plan to attend college. You can find information on this website about financial aid planning, colleges, libraries, and related publications. You can apply for as many different types of financial aid as you’d like. Learn more about types of financial aid

Federal Student Aid and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Am I eligible for federal student aid as an undocumented or DACA student?

    No. Undocumented students, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, are not eligible for federal student aid. However, you may be eligible for state or college financial aid, in addition to private scholarships. Learn about financial aid at MCC

  • How do I apply for state and college financial aid?

    Undocumented students may qualify for State aid by filling out the Alternative Application.

    For help filing out the Alternative application, contact Julie Durkin at (815) 455-8943.

  • What is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)?

    If you are an eligible noncitizen, you can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Your college uses FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid.

  • To complete the FAFSA® form, do I need a Social Security number (SSN)?

    Yes, students typically need an SSN to complete the FAFSA form, with some exceptions for eligible noncitizens. If you are completing a FAFSA form online, the student’s SSN (if applicable) is also required to create a username and password called the FSA ID, which can be used to electronically sign the FAFSA form, complete other online forms (ex., The Master Promissory Note), and to review the student's aid received.

    Most undocumented students aren’t eligible for an SSN; thus, they cannot complete the FAFSA form. This includes DACA students with SSNs.

    See information from the Social Security Administration about obtaining an SSN. If your FAFSA form is rejected due to an issue with your SSN, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. If you’re deaf or hard of hearing and use TTY equipment, you can call 1-800-325-0778.

  • Do I have to pay back a Federal Student Loan?

    Yes. You must begin paying back Federal Loans and money earned from Federal Work-Study once you graduate, drop below half-time enrollment, or leave school. At this time, your loan enters repayment.

    Your loan servicer will provide you with a loan repayment schedule that states when your first payment is due, the number and frequency of payments, and the amount of each payment. Your billing statement will tell you how much to pay. Your monthly payment amount depends on your repayment plan. If you sign up for electronic communication, pay attention to your email. Most loan servicers send an email when your billing statement is ready for you to access online.

    Note: When your loan enters repayment, your servicer will automatically place you on the Standard Repayment Plan. You can request a different repayment plan at any time.

    • Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, or Federal Family Education Loans have a six-month grace period before you are required to start making regular payments.
    • PLUS loans go into repayment as soon as the loan is fully disbursed—which means once it’s paid out.
      • If you’re a graduate and professional student PLUS borrower, you will be placed on an automatic deferment while in school and for six months after graduating, leaving school, or dropping below half-time enrollment.

    You can make prepayments on your loan while you are in school or during your grace period. Be aware, however, that any prepayment you make will not count as a qualifying payment in any loan forgiveness programs.

    See more information on understanding student loan repayment

    You may be eligible to qualify for loan forgiveness if you are a student that meets certain requirements

  • Can I complete the FAFSA even if my parents don’t have a Social Security Number - is it safe?

    Yes, since your parents’ citizenship doesn’t affect your ability to complete the FAFSA form, they don’t need Social Security Numbers (SSNs). The FAFSA does not require information on parents’ immigration status, only their financial data, and protects their information under privacy laws.

    Parents without SSNs can now create an FSA ID. Creating an FSA ID involves an identity verification process with knowledge-based questions. If parents have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), they should include it on the FAFSA; otherwise, they can leave the question blank.

  • What is the RISE Application, and how is it different from FAFSA?

    The Retaining Illinois Students and Equity (RISE) Act provides an application process for state financial aid consideration other than using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), which is used to qualify for both federal and state aid. Undocumented and transgender students may choose the application process that best suits their individual situation.

    FAFSA is used to award state and federal funds, while the RISE Act Alternative Application can only award state allocated resources.

    Learn more about the Alternative Application

Illinois Financial Aid

College Employment

  • What are my employment options?
    • Find a job through a U.S. employer.
      As a DACA beneficiary, you scored an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and a Social Security Number (SSN). Despite your DACA approval, you are still not eligible for a work-study arranged through the federal government, but you can take charge of your own job search off campus.
    • Become an independent contractor.
      Undocumented students may explore becoming independent contractors as a way to work without an EAD or SSN. An independent contractor is a person or entity contracted to perform work for or provide services to another entity as a non-employee. They have more control over how they complete their work, provide their own tools and materials, and operate under a business structure that allows them to work for multiple clients or companies. For assistance in getting started as an independent contractor, feel free to reach out to our Illinois Small Business Development Center for guidance and support.
    • Contact Career Services for guidance on securing off-campus jobs for DACA students and to learn about micro-internship opportunities available to both DACA and undocumented students, offering paid short-term professional experiences.
    • If you are a DACA recipient, renew it!
      Your DACA is a temporary solution to your absence of legal immigration papers, and your EAD will expire two years after the issue date. Renewing your DACA is crucial if you hope to continue working in the United States. The USCIS recommends that you submit your DACA renewal request between 120 and 150 days before your EAD expires.

Alternative Ways to Pay for College

  • What are my options beyond employment?
    • The Alternative Application: Offers a state-level option for undocumented students who do not qualify for federal aid
    • Scholarships: Check out our list of different resources of scholarships that do not require proof of immigration status
    • Crowdfunding: Leverage online platforms to raise small amounts of money from many people, showcasing your educational and financial needs.
    • Fundraisers: Organize events or activities that engage our community in supporting your education financially, offering goods, services, or entertainment in exchange
    • Donation Letters: Draft personal letters to potential donors explaining your education aspiration and financial situation to solicit direct contributions
    • Individual Development Account (IDA): This savings account matches your contributions and is designed to help low-income individuals save towards education costs. It is usually available through community organizations and requires participants to complete financial literacy training.
    • Private Loans: Borrow money from private financial institutions or lenders, keeping in mind the interest and repayment terms.

      Services like MPower Financing and Ascent offer loans to DACA recipients without a cosigner.

      Social Finance offers loans for graduate programs for DACA and Temporary Protected Status(TPS) students.