Students who are immigrants, are undocumented, or have DACA

In Washington, students don’t have to be U.S. citizens to get state financial aid or resident tuition. There are different ways to qualify for immigrant students—including those who are undocumented.

Financial aid and resident tuition

The first, best step for all students is to apply for financial aid. In Washington, there are two ways to apply and both of them are free. Students need to pick one:

1. WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid)
2. FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) 

The WASFA is for students who aren’t eligible for federal aid, including students who have DACA or are undocumented. The FAFSA is for U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, and eligible non-citizens. 

If you are unable to complete a FAFSA, the WASFA may be for you. 

Students must be Washington residents to get state financial aid. In most cases, a Washington resident is someone who lives in the state for one year immediately prior to starting their college or program, regardless of immigration status or citizenship. But there are other ways to be a resident. Learn more on our Student Residency page.

State financial aid

Washington has many different state financial aid programs that are open to immigrant and undocumented students. Each program has its own requirements, in addition to being a Washington resident. 

Scholarships

There are scholarships for students who aren’t U.S. citizens, and some are specifically for undocumented students. Colleges have the best information about what’s available to their students. Check with a college’s financial aid office, undocumented student center, or diversity and multicultural center.

Here are just a few: 

• Washboard.org allows students to search for scholarships that don’t require U.S. citizenship. 
• Immigrants Rising provides tips for apply and lists of scholarships and fellowships that don't require proof of U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency.
• Students with DACA can apply for the Scholarship America DREAM Award.
• My Undocumented Life scholarship blogs and resources (National).
• The Latino Legal Voice for Civil Rights in America (MALDEF) Scholarship Resource Guide (National).

Resident tuition

Tuition at Washington’s public colleges and universities is less expensive for Washington residents. Non-residents pay a higher rate. 

Also, high school students can earn college credit through dual credit programs like Running Start or College in the High School. These programs do not ask for citizenship status. They also do not require students to be residents. 

Colleges and Universities

Washington’s colleges and universities support and welcome undocumented and other immigrant students. Most, if not all, of Washington’s colleges – whether public, private, or community and technical colleges – provide dedicated resources for undocumented and immigrant students. We encourage you to visit the website of the college that interests you. Services vary by campus. 

Public community and technical colleges

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has information for undocumented students. Students can also look at individual college’s diversity, equity, and inclusion websites. 

Employment

State Work Study: Students with DACA and other students with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) are legally eligible to work. This means students who meet program, income, and residency requirements may be able to get a job through State Work Study funding.

Starting a business: Immigrants Rising offers entrepreneurship and freelancing resources to help undocumented students without DACA and students without an EAD start their own business.

Legal 

Legal resources for students who have DACA

Students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, can find information about the current status of this program and other DACA resources at OneAmerica. OneAmerica also has a Washington DACA Toolkit for undocumented people with or without DACA in Washington. The National Immigration Law Center also has DACA information.

Funding for DACA applications fees

Students who need to apply for or renew their DACA status can contact their college’s undocumented student center or multicultural center to find out if they offer DACA renewal application funding. 

The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services may offer a DACA application fee scholarship. Anyone can apply.

Legal immigration services

Some colleges offer legal immigration services to undocumented and other immigrant students. Students should ask their school’s undocumented student center or multicultural center if this service exists. 

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project offers free consultations to qualified individuals. They have offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Wenatchee, and Granger. 

The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has an Immigration Preparedness Toolkit with immigrant rights and other legal information.

The Washington Immigrant Solidary Network (WAISN) is the largest immigrant-led coalition in Washington State.