School & Education
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Undocumented students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid. But, there are scholarships and resources to help undocumented students with college. This article provides a list of some of the available assistance for undocumented students in Illinois.
Scholarships
There are several scholarships available to undocumented youth in Illinois. The applications normally open up in the fall or spring and close in late spring or early summer.
Generally, you must qualify for in-state tuition in Illinois to apply for these scholarships.
To qualify for in-state tuition as an undocumented immigrant, you must have:
- Resided with your parent or guardian while attending high school in Illinois,
- Graduated from high school or received a GED in Illinois,
- Attended school in Illinois for at least 3 years before graduating or receiving your GED, and
- Provided the university with an affidavit stating that you will file to become a permanent resident of the US when you are eligible.
TheDream.US
TheDream.US offers scholarships for undocumented students. The "National Scholarship" is for students who qualify for in-state tuition at colleges partnered with TheDream.US. Many Illinois schools are partnered with TheDream.US.
The scholarship award is up to $16,500 for an associate’s degree. It is for up to $33,000 for a bachelor's degree.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- Meet certain immigration eligibility criteria,
- Have significant unmet financial need, and
- Meet certain academic criteria.
Learn more about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
A list of colleges that are partnered with TheDream.US can be found on TheDream.US website.
Chicago Public Schools Scholarships
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) offers scholarships to undocumented students. Some of them are only for undocumented students. Some are available to all students. The applications for each of the below scholarships will be posted on the CPS Academic Works website when they open. Be sure to check on when the applications close.
CPS Dream Fund Scholarship
The Dream Fund Scholarship is for undocumented students and Dreamers who qualify for in-state tuition in Illinois. The scholarship award is sent directly to the school that you plan to attend. The scholarship is between $1,000 and $2,500.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a CPS senior,
- Be an undocumented student or Dreamer,
- Have a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher,
- Be currently enrolled and attending a Chicago Public School (including charter schools),
- Plan to attend a regionally accredited 2 or 4-year college in the fall, and
- Qualify for in-state tuition.
The Evelio and Marcelina Alvarez Family Scholarship
The Evelio and Marcelina Alvarez Family Scholarship is only available to Roosevelt High School students. It will be awarded to two first-generation students with good character and high academic achievement. You do not have to be a US citizen to apply for this scholarship. Hispanic and Latino/a/x students are preferred. The Scholarship award is $2,500.
Chicago Treasurer's Office Empowerment Scholarship
This scholarship is available to all CPS students, including Dreamers. The scholarship award is for $5,000.
To qualify for this scholarship, you must:
- Be a CPS graduate,
- Be a Chicago resident,
- Enroll in an accredited college,
- Submit a copy of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid, or tax returns, and
- Complete an essay question.
This scholarship is not renewable.
Chicago Star Scholarship
The Chicago Star Scholarship is for graduating seniors from CPS or a Chicago-Based Big Shoulders fund school. The scholarship is available to students who plan to attend City Colleges of Chicago. Undocumented immigrants can apply.
City Colleges of Chicago will provide waivers for tuition, books, and class materials not covered by financial aid. If you receive the scholarship, you have up to 3 years to use the funds, starting in your first fall of college.
You can receive your associate's degree or a certificate through City Colleges. You may transfer to one of the schools partnered with City Colleges to pursue your bachelor’s degree at no cost or a discounted rate.
A list of schools partnered with the City Colleges of Chicago can be found on their website.
To be eligible for this scholarship, you must:
- Graduate from a Chicago-based partner high school,
- Meet academic criteria, and
- Complete the FAFSA or an ineligibility to file for financial aid form.
You will complete your application for the scholarship when you apply for admission to City Colleges.
To apply at City Colleges and find out more information about the Star scholarship, visit the City Colleges of Chicago website.
Other scholarships
These are not all of the scholarships available to undocumented students. You can find more scholarships for undocumented students on the United We Dream website.
Undocumented Student Liaisons
Under Illinois law, each public college or university must have an Undocumented Student Liaison. This person must be available on campus to provide assistance to undocumented students.
The Undocumented Student Liaison’s duties include providing students with:
- Access to financial aid, and
- Academic support.
You can view the list of Undocumented Student Liaisons for each school on the Illinois Board of Higher Education website.
