Information for Undocumented Students - with or without DACA
Am I an Undocumented Student or DACA Student?
Undocumented Student classification: You are undocumented if you are within the United States without legal documentation. This may include a person who entered the United States without inspection or a person who entered with a valid visa that has since expired.
DACA Student classification:
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced a policy called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. This policy allows certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. If you have requested and been granted DACA, you are considered to be a DACA student. View DACA Criteria.
DACA recipients and those who renew continue to be protected. The policy on DACA has been shifting. Please review the Penn State Law website for the latest updates.
Applying to Attend Penn State
Starting with the fall 2022 Application Cycle (beginning August 1, 2021), we encourage first-year applicants that are undocumented (with or without DACA) to apply through the Common App.
When submitting your application we encourage you to select the same citizenship status in all sections of the application process.
Completing the Geography and Nationality Section in your Common App Profile
When asked: “What is your current citizenship status?”
Select: “DACA, Undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status”
Completing the General Section of the Penn State Common App
When asked: “What is your current citizenship status?”
Select: “DACA, Undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status”
Frequently Asked Questions
We encourage undocumented/DACA students to apply via the Common App and to indicate a citizenship status of "DACA, Undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status".
Applicants who have indicated a citizenship category of "DACA, Undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status" will be asked to submit an application fee of $65.00.
Undocumented students, with or without DACA, are not obligated to tell us of their status.
Federal Aid
Undocumented students and DACA recipients are not eligible for federal student aid.
Pennsylvania Commonwealth Aid
Pennsylvania does not currently have policies regarding access to state financial aid for undocumented students.
Tuition and Penn State Specific Aid
Undocumented students, with or without DACA, can be eligible for in-state tuition if they meet Penn State’s residency requirements. These requirements include attending an accredited Pennsylvania high school for at least four years and graduating from an accredited Pennsylvania high school or receiving a Pennsylvania General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Penn State does not currently have a policy for providing financial aid to undocumented students. For short-term assistance and emergency financial aid or grants, students can contact the Student Care and Advocacy Office.
Scholarships
Review scholarships available through Penn State to incoming and current students.
Penn State students receive access to campus services regardless of immigration status.