Common Questions and Answers for DACA and Undoc students
Undocumented Students
Are undocumented students able to attend college?
Yes. Undocumented students are able to attend college regardless of their status.
Do I pay in-state tuition or out-of-state tuition?
Unfortunately, at the moment, you must pay out-of-state tuition in Arkansas, which is higher than in-state tuition.
Can I receive federal financial aid such as the FAFSA or state tuition?
At the moment, you do not qualify for federal aid and in Arkansas, you do not qualify for state aid. Tip: If one of your parents or you have a work permit, however, and a 32 on the ACT and an average 3.5 GPA, you may qualify for the Governor's Distinguished Scholarship.
Can I get any scholarships or aid?
Yes. You can apply for private scholarships that do not require you to be a citizen or permanent resident. Check out the private scholarships are the college you are interested in attending as well as the national, state and local scholarships. Focus on private and local scholarships often times they do not require citizenship.
Can I work once I receive my degree or certification?
Currently, you are not able to legally work once you have your degree unless you have a work permit.
What is the purpose of going to college if I will not be able to work with my degree or certification?
We are hopeful that in the future, there will be legislation that will pass a form of the DREAM Act to continue to provide opportunities for undocumented students. Also, one thing that we like to mention is that they can take everything from you but, no one can ever take your education from you. Also, we have seen students that have been able to work as consultants or entrepreneurs using their ITIN number after they receive their degree or certification.
I am a high-achieving student, are there any benefits to that?
Yes! If you are a high achieving student, meaning you have a high GPA, ACT, have taken AP courses, and are involved in the community and extracurricular activities, we encourage you to apply for colleges that are "100% Need-Met Schools." A school that provides 100% need-met (full-need) offers financial aid that equals the family's demonstrated financial need. This means that they pay for everything you can't afford to cover. To learn more about these colleges and see the list, check out this article: Here's Every College That Offers 100% Financial Aid
I am an average achieving student, are there any options for me?
(approximate GPA between 3.0-3.5, ACT between 19-25, and some community service and school involvement)
Note: Please keep in mind that each case is different and this is just for informational purposes. Reach out to us for a better recommendation based on your specific situation.
As an average student, we recommend applying to either a community college and then transferring to a 4 year college or starting at a 4-year college and staying at home to save the cost of room and board. The decision depends of your financial need and how much scholarships you have. Being able to start at a community college helps with reducing the cost. If you do the 2 years at the community college, you will transfer and do the last 2 at the 4-year college. When you graduate, your degree is going to come from the 4-year college. While in school, if possible, you can work to help with the cost that was not covered by scholarships.
I am a below average student, are there any options for me? (approximate GPA below a 3.0, ACT below a 19, and no or little community service and school involvement)
Note: Please keep in mind that each case is different and this is just for informational purposes. Reach out to us for a better recommendation based on your specific situation.
In this case, we recommend that you start at a community college, if you do not find scholarships (as it is harder to find scholarships in scenarios like this one), then going to a community college is the most affordable option. While in school, if possible, you can work to help with the cost that was not covered by scholarships.
What are some things I can do while in high school to save money in college?
Take advantage of AP classes and concurrent credit classes as they are college level classes that you received college credit for. This classes tend to be a fraction of the price if you take them in high school. This means that when you go to college, you will not have to take this classes, therefore, you will be saving money AND time.
DACA Students
Do I pay in-state or out-of-state tuition?
You qualify for in-state tuition here in Arkansas!
Can I receive federal financial aid such as the FAFSA or state tuition?
At the moment, you do not qualify for federal aid and in Arkansas, you do not qualify for state aid. Tip: If one of your parents or you have a work permit, however, and a 32 on the ACT and an average 3.5 GPA, you may qualify for the Governor's Distinguished Scholarship.
Can I get any scholarships or aid?
Yes. You can apply for private scholarships that do not require you to be a citizen or permanent resident. Check out the private scholarships are the college you are interested in attending as well as the national, state and local scholarships. Focus on private and local scholarships often times they do not require citizenship.
What are some things I can do while in high school to save money in college?
Take advantage of AP classes and concurrent credit classes as they are college level classes that you received college credit for. This classes tend to be a fraction of the price if you take them in high school. This means that when you go to college, you will not have to take this classes, therefore, you will be saving money AND time.
