Navigating access to higher education at City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) systems as an undocumented student, DACA recipient or asylum seeker can be challenging. However, both systems offer pathways for these non-citizen students to pursue their educational goals.
This guide outlines the eligibility requirements, financial aid options, and resources for undocumented and asylum-seeking students who wish to pursue an education at these institutions.
1. Applying for CUNY/SUNY
Undocumented and asylum-seeking students follow the same general application process as other students. Importantly, they are not required to disclose their immigration status.
- CUNY Application: CUNY Application Portal
- SUNY Application: SUNY Application Portal
Students are not required to provide a Social Security Number (SSN) on their applications. If necessary, they can leave the SSN section blank or enter “000-00-0000”.
2. Eligibility for in-state tuition
Affordable tuition is crucial, and both systems enable undocumented students who meet eligibility criteria, including DACA recipients and asylum seekers, to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
All CUNY students, including undocumented students, benefit from a 2001 New York State law that broadens eligibility for in-state tuition. Under this law, individuals qualify for in-state tuition if any of the following apply:
- They were enrolled at a CUNY institution in Fall 2001 and qualified for in-state tuition at that time.
- They attended a New York State high school for two or more years, graduated, and applied to attend a CUNY institution within five years of receiving their New York State diploma.
- They attended a New York State-approved Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) or GED preparation program, earned their TASC/GED, and applied to a CUNY institution within five years of receiving their New York State TASC/GED.
Note that TASC/GED holders who graduated from high school in the U.S. or overseas are not eligible for this benefit.
For undocumented students seeking in-state tuition: In addition to meeting one of the criteria above, they must file an affidavit affirming their intent to legalize their status as soon as they are eligible. CUNY Admissions Offices can provide a sample affidavit.
If a student does not meet the above criteria, they may still qualify for in-state tuition if they fulfill specific residency requirements. More detailed information about eligibility for in-state tuition can be found on the CUNY Paying for College and SUNY Guide to SUNY Resident Tuition Policy website.
3. Financial aid for undocumented students and asylum seekers
While undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid (FAFSA), there are other opportunities for financial support:
New York State financial aid options
- NYS DREAM Act: The program allows undocumented students to apply for state financial aid programs like the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), Excelsior Scholarship and Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA).
- Eligibility: Students who meet in-state tuition requirements and attended a New York State high school for at least two years.
- Find more detailed information about the NYS DREAM Act.
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP): EOP provides academic support and modest financial assistance to alleviate non-tuition costs such as books and supplies for eligible students.
- Eligibility: U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for admission to EOP. However, students must meet New York State residency, income and academic requirements . Students under the New York Dream Act may be eligible to receive state aid including support from the EOP program.
- Find more detailed information about the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
Institutional scholarships for undocumented students and DACA recipients
CUNY and SUNY offer hundreds of scholarships to help ease the financial burden of college. Scholarships provide money that does not have to be repaid and usually is awarded on the basis of academic merit.
- CUNY: With over 1,000 scholarships available across its 25 campuses, undocumented and asylum students are eligible for many of these scholarships. Each college has a complete listing of all the scholarships and financial awards it offers. Check the list with the individual colleges for specific scholarships.
- SUNY: SUNY offers a range of scholarships across its 64 campuses. Explore scholarship opportunities listed at each SUNY campus.
TheDream.US Scholarship
Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for undocumented or asylum-seeking students. The most well-known one is TheDream.US Scholarship. This scholarship is for undocumented students (with or without DACA or TPS) who arrived in the U.S. before November 1, 2018 and before the age of 16. The National Scholarship Award will cover the student’s tuition and fees at one of their Partner Colleges up to a maximum of $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree.
4. Resources and support programs for migrant students
Both CUNY and SUNY offer resources and support programs for undocumented and asylum-seeking students to help them succeed academically and personally.
CUNY Support Services
- CUNY Citizenship Now!: Offers free legal services to help with immigration issues, including DACA renewals.
- Undocumented Student Support: Provides academic counseling, legal advice, and other support across CUNY’s 25 campuses.
SUNY Support Services
- SUNY provides ally groups and support networks to ensure undocumented students feel supported throughout their education. Check the SUNY Frequently Asked Questions to know more.
By leveraging these resources, undocumented and asylum-seeking students in New York can access affordable, supportive higher education pathways to achieve their academic dreams.
