Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Qualified children of undocumented immigrants who are eligible for in-statue tuition under 15-106.8 of the MD Education Article also are now eligible to apply for various State financial aid grants and scholarships. The Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) is available to applicants who are ineligible to receive federal aid using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Which form should I complete?
Students should only complete one of the applications (not both) according to the requirements below:
- You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are a:
- US Citizen
- Permanent Resident
- Eligible non-citizen
- T Visa holder
- You are eligible to complete the MSFAA if you are:
- Undocumented
- Did you (and if married your spouse), or your parent/legal guardian file a Maryland income tax return each year for 3 years before the academic year in which the tuition rate exemption (in-state determination would apply? Note if the answer is not “Yes” you will not be eligible to file the MSFAA application
What kind of financial aid is available?
The MSFAA allows qualified children of undocumented immigrants to apply and be considered for certain types of State need-based financial aid, such as the:
- Educational Assistance Grant
- Guaranteed Access Grant
- Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant
- Part-Time Grant
- Delegate Scholarship(s)
- Richard W. Collins III Leadership with Honor Scholarship
For more information concerning the eligibility requirements of these programs, visit:
http://www.mhec.state.md.us/preparing/Pages/FinancialAid/descriptions.aspx
What happens after I complete the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA)?
The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) will notify applicants in late April if they are awarded an Educational Assistance Grant or a Guaranteed Access Grant for the next award year. Awarding for the other State grant/scholarship programs will occur in the summer and eligible applicants will be notified by e-mail if they are awarded.
Your institution will notify you if you have been awarded the Part-Time Grant or Campus-Based Educational Assistance Grant.
You should monitor your “To Do List” in MDCAPS to verify if additional information is required for any of the grant or scholarship programs you may have applied for. If additional information is needed, be sure to submit all required documents by the deadline. Note: MHEC communicates with all applicants by email; therefore, you are encouraged to provide an e-mail address that you check frequently on any application for State financial aid.
Other Important questions
Can I fill out the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA) if I don’t have a Social Security Number?
Yes. Students are not required to have a Social Security Number to submit the MSFAA. However, students will need to meet the non-resident exemption requirements as described under 15-106.8 of the MD Education Article to qualify for aid.
Will any of my information on the application be shared?
The personally identifiable information (PII) provided on the MSFAA is confidential and used solely to determine eligibility for State financial aid. the PII will be disclosed only as required by law.
List of Foundation Scholarships
List of Private Scholarships for Undocumented Students
- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarships-by-type/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/
- https://www.fastweb.com/
- https://www.edvisors.com/scholarships/college-scholarships/undocumented-student-scholarships/
- https://immigrantsrising.org/2021scholarships/
- https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/getting-ready-college-what-ell-students-need-know
- Immigrants Rising (2022 version) publishes an interactive list of scholarships and fellowships that can be customized to your unique background. The new list can be refined by eligibility requirements such as region, education status, GPA, and more!
- The Dream scholarships are for highly motivated undocumented students who are not eligible for federal aid.
- The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund’s Scholarship Resource Guide is a free, informative resource guide for students, parents, and educators with an extensive list of scholarships, including many that do not inquire about immigration status.
- https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/special-attributes/undocumented-tps-daca
- https://www.higheredimmigrationportal.org/effective_practice/scholarships-for-undocumented-students/
- The Hispanic Scholarship Fund empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to successfully complete a higher education, while providing support services and scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars, and Alumni as possible.
- Student Loan Hero has created this list of 17 useful scholarships for Latino and Hispanic Students. Note that some have geographic or other requirements.
- Get Schooled has a list of 50+ Scholarships for DACA/Undocumented Students.