Scholarships & Resources for Undocumented Students
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If you’re undocumented and interested in higher education, you have an uphill battle — especially when it comes to paying for college. The good news is that there are lots of financial aid resources out there to help, including scholarships, grants, and more. This guide will introduce you to many such resources, including some of the best scholarships for undocumented students available today.
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Scholarships & Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Higher education can be a big cost for anyone, and undocumented students are no exception. In fact, undocumented students likely do not have easy access to the same financial aid resources as other students and may have to work harder to cover their expenses.
Fortunately, many schools and organizations offer grants and scholarships to undocumented students interested in higher education, including healthcare majors. All you need to do is know where to look.
Scholarships (like those listed below) are financial benefits awarded to students who show exceptional promise. These awards often cover tuition and related expenses, and — most importantly — do not need to be repaid.
Take a look at each of these quality scholarship opportunities for undocumented students and determine if applying to them is worth your time and effort.
General Scholarships
Becca’s Closet
Typically $1,000 to $2,000
March
Eligibility
Available to graduating high school seniors with a minimum 2.0 GPA. Applicant must demonstrate clear financial need and plan to attend an accredited institution.
This award is open to DACA recipients.
How to Apply
Apply online or by printing and sending a paper application. Submittals include transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and a personal essay.
Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Up to $15,000 annually
April
Eligibility
This scholarship supports students committed to social and economic justice. It is open to undocumented students currently enrolled in an accredited postsecondary program.
How to Apply
Submit the application via the online link on the scholarship website. Additional materials required include a personal statement, financial information demonstrating need, two letters of recommendation, and academic transcripts.
Scholarship America
$5,000 to $15,000 annually (up to $40,000 over time)
Typically December
Eligibility
Open to students (including DACA recipients) who have completed at least one year of studies in pursuit of an associate or bachelor’s degree. Additional requirements include a 3.0 or higher GPA and demonstrated financial need.
How to Apply
Complete the online application via the scholarship website and provide verification of enrollment status.
Esperanza Education Fund
Up to $10,000
July
Eligibility
This award is open to undocumented students planning to attend a public college or university. Applicant must be a graduating senior in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.
How to Apply
Complete and submit the digital application here. Materials include two letters of recommendation and two personal essays.
Finalists will be interviewed by the selection committee.
Golden Door Scholars
Full cost of attendance (up to $40,000)
Typically October
Eligibility
Qualified students must meet DACA, TPS, or immigration eligibility criteria as specified by the organization and possess a 3.0 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
Apply online via the Golden Door Scholars Application Page. Submitted materials include high school (or GED) transcripts, financial analysis, letters of recommendation, video prompt, and a 500-word essay describing the applicant’s academic goals, personal resilience, and community impact.
Medical and Health Scholarships
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation
$500 to $25,000
April
Eligibility
Available to students pursuing studies in dietetics and related fields at an accredited school. Several awards are available that are open to undocumented students.
How to Apply
Submit the online application via the scholarship website. Submittals include academic transcripts, current resume, and two recommendations.
RehabCenter.net
$1,000 to $6,000
December
Eligibility
Open to all undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a postsecondary institution in the U.S.
How to Apply
Download the application on the scholarship webpage. Required submittals include an essay expressing the applicant’s views on drug and alcohol addiction.
American Health Information Management Association
$1,000 to $2,500 (varies by degree level)
December (national scholarships); Varies (state-level scholarships)
Eligibility
Applicant must be an AHIMA member actively pursuing a degree in health information management or a related subject. Additionally requires a 3.5 or higher GPA.
How to Apply
Apply directly through your local Component State Association (CSA). Requires verification from the applicant’s program director.
The American College of Legal Medicine
$1,000 (first place); $500 (second place); $250 (third place)
January
Eligibility
Any student currently studying medicine, law, dentistry, podiatry, pharmacy, nursing, or another health science-related subject may apply.
How to Apply
Applicant must submit a competitive paper on law, medicine, and bioethics.
American Dental Assistants Association
Varies (typically $250 to $1,000 annually)
Varies by specific scholarship
Eligibility
A number of awards are available to students who are enrolled in traditional or accredited online dental assistant programs. Requires ADAA membership.
How to Apply
Complete the online application form and provide supplementary materials that demonstrate the applicant’s achievements in dental assisting.
5 Keys to Landing Your Scholarship
- Key #1: Be personal and genuine
Most scholarships seek students who can connect with others on a personal level. So, if you are given an essay prompt that asks you to draw on your own experiences, be sure to take the time and make the effort to provide the most honest and generous response possible. - Key #2: Complete all application requirements to the letter
Be sure that you read all application instructions and follow them carefully. Committees are looking for candidates that pay attention to detail, and applications that do not follow the full instructions are often immediately rejected. - Key #3: Do your research and tailor your materials
Research the scholarship sponsor’s purposes and goals and tailor your application and submittal materials to reflect them. This shows clear initiative and thoughtfulness, and indicates to the selection committee your interest in winning their specific award. - Key #4: Google yourself ahead of time
Be careful with your social media presence and online footprint, and make deletions or changes if necessary. It is not unusual for committee members to search your presence online. - Key #5: Select good references
Most scholarships will ask for references or recommendation letters. Be sure that you select good reference sources who can competently speak to your abilities.
Talk to your recommenders well in advance of the submittal deadline and stay in close communication with them throughout the process.
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College Resources for Undocumented Students
If you are a current or aspiring undocumented college student, you may be surprised to find that there is an abundance of quality resources available to help you succeed in your studies and beyond, including the ones listed below.
Academic & Career
- Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities
Educational consortium consisting of nearly 500 postsecondary institutions across the country committed to expanding access to education.
The association hosts regular conferences and events, and conducts research to help undocumented students. It also maintains several strategic partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups. - Immigrants Rising
First established in 2006, this organization supports immigrants and undocumented students by offering education and career services. Immigrants Rising’s website features a comprehensive, searchable resource directory and provides legal advice to those in need.
Undocumented students can also use its job board to find employment opportunities. - My Undocumented Life
This site maintains a massive resource repository for undocumented students. It posts relevant job and internship openings, connects students with education counselors and career coaches, and aggregates news and recent developments on key issues. - Protect Dreamers Higher Education Coalition
An arm of the American Council on Education, this group strives to protect the rights of Dreamers and undocumented students throughout the nation. It often works in partnership with government agencies to ensure that vulnerable students receive proper benefits and educational opportunity. - TheDream.US
Nonprofit organization that helps undocumented students with financial assistance and education preparation through partnerships with higher education institutions, development media guides, and support for local fundraising efforts. Many undocumented students use its extensive scholarship database to locate financial aid opportunities.
Social & Networking
- National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights
This network exists to expand and defend the rights of all immigrants and refugees, including undocumented students. It connects allies, advocates, and affected persons through local programs and initiatives. - Undocuprofessionals
Nonprofit network supporting undocumented students and professionals through mentorship, scholarships, career resources, entrepreneurship training, and community advocacy promoting educational and economic opportunities. - United We Dream
United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led network in the country. It supports and connects undocumented students through local events on college campuses and various development efforts.
Advocacy & Diversity
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
The ACLU has fought to defend and preserve individual rights in the U.S. since 1920. Based in New York City, the nonprofit works to ensure that immigrants and undocumented students continue to enjoy equal protection under the law. - Immigration Advocates Network (IAN)
The IAN uses new technologies to offer support and collaboration to undocumented students and their allies. It develops projects that bridge the digital divide and sponsors a variety of campaigns that defend immigrants and safeguard their basic rights. - Informed Immigrant
By connecting individuals with educators and service providers, Informed Immigrant provides a safe space for immigrants and undocumented students to access the resources they need for success. - National Immigration Law Center
Founded in 1979, this organization is dedicated to helping low-income undocumented persons by offering legal advice. It connects affected individuals with legal experts, sponsors training events, and maintains several legal assistance directories.
Healthcare Education
- American Medical Association (AMA)
The AMA is the largest association of medical students and working medical professionals in the nation. It supports its members through events and continuing education efforts and sponsors several highly influential publications in healthcare education. - Healthcare Education Association (HCEA)
The HEA is a professional organization for healthcare students and educators that promotes evidence-based care and education through conferences, mailing lists, and patient guides. - Institute for Diversity and Health Equity
An affiliate of the American Hospital Association, this group empowers healthcare organizations to provide equitable care to all persons, including undocumented students. It maintains a comprehensive library of resources and offers training events for students and working professionals. - National AHEC Organization
This organization supports Area Health Education Centers at the national-level by advertising employment opportunities and offering training experiences. It hosts a comprehensive job board, engages in advocacy efforts in healthcare, and develops curricula for healthcare students.
