Undocumented and DACA students
College is still possible. Here is the honest path.
If you are undocumented or have DACA, college is still within reach.
College aid for undocumented students looks different, but in Virginia it is real.
Free, private help. Share only what you are comfortable sharing.
Real optionsIn Virginia, with free help
What you can get
Federal aid is closed. Other doors are open.
Here is the honest picture of college aid for undocumented students in Virginia.
Can undocumented and DACA students get financial aid?
Not federal aid. Undocumented and DACA students cannot get the Pell Grant, federal loans or federal work study. In Virginia, eligible students can get in state tuition and state aid, and many private scholarships are open to them too.
Federal aid
Not available, including Pell Grants and federal loans.
In state tuition
Available to eligible Virginia high school graduates.
Virginia state aid
Apply with the VASA instead of the FAFSA.
Private scholarships
Many local and national awards do not ask about status.
In state tuition
The rule matters. So does the court case.
The Virginia Dream Act is the biggest money saver for most students. Here is where it stands.
Under the Virginia Dream Act, students can qualify for in state tuition if they attended a Virginia high school for at least two years, graduated from a Virginia high school or passed an equivalent exam and they or a parent filed Virginia income taxes for at least two years, according to Open Campus.
The U.S. Justice Department sued Virginia over this law in December 2025. At a hearing in summer 2026, the federal judge did not say when he would rule, according to Courthouse News. While the case continues, in state tuition has stayed in place, according to ARLnow.
Rules could change, so confirm your status with your college before you enroll.
State aid
No FAFSA? File the VASA instead.
The VASA is how undocumented and DACA students apply for Virginia state aid.
What is the VASA application?
The VASA, or Virginia Alternative State Aid application, lets students who cannot file the FAFSA apply for Virginia state financial aid, such as the Virginia Commonwealth Award, according to Level Up Virginia. EAESSI helps you complete it.
Apply early
Each college sets its own priority date. SCHEV keeps the list.
Use the right form
The VASA goes through Level Up Virginia, not StudentAid.gov.
Get help
We help with the VASA the same way we help with the FAFSA. Get free help.
Who we help
Which one of these sounds like you?
Students looking for college aid for undocumented students often tell us the same things.
"I'm scared to share my information."
Share only what you are comfortable with. Ask us anything before you fill out a form.
"I thought college was out of reach."
Federal aid is closed, but in state tuition, state aid and private scholarships may still be open to you.
"My parents can't help with forms."
We explain college aid for undocumented students to your family in plain language.
"I'm the first in my family to go."
Many awards are set aside for first generation students. See local scholarships.
Your plan
Four steps. One plan.
Here is the order that works for college aid for undocumented students.
Check in state tuition
Ask your college how it applies the Virginia Dream Act to you.
File the VASA
Apply early for the next school year.
Apply for scholarships
Local and national awards open to students regardless of status. See where to look.
Get free help
EAESSI helps you at every step.
Scholarships open to you
National programs like TheDream.US and Golden Door Scholars support students regardless of status, and so do many local awards. In Virginia, the Dream Project also offers scholarships and mentoring to undocumented students. Private scholarships are a growing part of college aid for undocumented students. Never pay a fee to apply.
Common questions
Straight answers for undocumented and DACA students.
Can undocumented students get federal aid?
No. Pell Grants, federal loans and federal work study are not available. Virginia offers state aid and in state tuition to eligible students.
What is the VASA?
The Virginia Alternative State Aid application. It lets students who cannot file the FAFSA apply for state financial aid, and it is a key part of college aid for undocumented students in Virginia.
Do DACA students qualify for in state tuition in Virginia?
Many do if they meet Virginia's high school and tax requirements. Rules can differ by situation, so ask your college to confirm.
Is the Virginia Dream Act still in effect?
As of fall 2026, it is being challenged in federal court, and in state tuition has stayed in place while the case continues. Check with your college for the latest before you enroll.
Can I apply for the EAESSI scholarship?
Contact us and we will tell you whether you qualify and which other awards fit you.
Is EAESSI's help free?
Yes. All of our college funding help is free, including help with the VASA. See our free FAFSA and VASA help.
Undocumented and DACA students
College is still possible. Get free help with your plan.
Free, private help for students across Northern Virginia.
About EAESSI
Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems (EAESSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We help uninsured women get breast screenings, help Virginia students pay for college and help teens grow as leaders.
Sources on this page
Figures on this page come from these sources: