If you are unable to complete the FAFSA or receive federal financial aid due to various factors like your immigration or citizenship status, it's important to know that some states offer state financial aid programs to help pay for college. Read more to learn whether your state offers its own financial aid application!

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California

The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) is open to undocumented students, DACA recipients (both valid and expired), U Visa holders, and students with Temporary Protected Status. Before completing the CADAA, it’s essential to verify your eligibility for AB 540 with your college, as it's mandatory to qualify for in-state tuition and state-based financial aid.

Colorado

In Colorado, undocumented and Colorado ASSET students should complete the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA). Even if you don’t qualify for ASSET, which makes some students eligible to receive in-state tuition at all public colleges and universities in Colorado, you should still complete the CASFA to receive other types of aid.

Connecticut

The Aid Application for CT Undocumented Students (AACTUS) provides institutional aid to undocumented/DACA students in Connecticut. If you’re applying to CT State Universities or community colleges, fill out a paper AACTUS application and submit it to your college's financial aid office. If you’re applying to the University of Connecticut, complete the application online. 

Hawaii

Hawaii grants undocumented students, including DACA recipients, access to state aid if they meet residency requirements. There is no formal application, so contact your college’s financial aid office to learn more. 

Illinois

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid allows qualifying undocumented students to apply for state financial aid, specifically Illinois’ Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants. These grants help students pay to attend eligible Illinois colleges, universities, and career education programs. 

Maryland

Complete the MHEC One-App (formerly known as the Maryland State Financial Aid Application) through your MDCAPS account. 

Massachusetts 

Eligible non-U.S. citizens can access state financial aid at Massachusetts public colleges and universities through the Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA). 

Minnesota

Complete the Minnesota Dream Act Application online. With this application, eligible students are able to receive in-state resident tuition at public Minnesota colleges and universities, state-based financial aid, and privately funded financial aid through individual colleges and universities.

Nevada

Undocumented/DACA students may qualify for the Governor Guinn Millennium Scholarship, the Silver State Opportunity Grant, and the Nevada Promise Scholarship. Students must go to the financial aid office at their school and work with them to be considered for these financial aid programs. Many Nevada colleges and universities also have institutional financial aid programs students can apply for. 

New Jersey

The New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application is open to students in New Jersey who are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, but attended a New Jersey high school for at least three years, graduated from a New Jersey high school, and are working to legalize their immigration status. Students can apply for state financial aid through the NJ Financial Aid Management System (NJFAMS).

New Mexico

New Mexico provides eligible undocumented/DACA students with access to state financial aid at public postsecondary institutions. To apply, visit the financial aid website of your college and look for the state aid application. Each school has their own application and process. Access to state-based financial aid is available to all students in New Mexico, regardless of immigration status, as long as they meet the residency requirements for in-state tuition.

New York

The DREAM Act provides access to the Excelsior Scholarship, Tuition Assistance Program, and other state-based scholarships for New York students that are without lawful immigration status, have DACA status, and/or Temporary Protective Status. To apply, students should complete the NYS DREAM Act Application. Applicants without lawful immigration status will not be asked for their home address and will not have to upload any financial records.

Oregon

The Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) is an alternative to the FAFSA for Oregon residents that are undocumented, are DACA recipients, and/or have Temporary Protective Status. By applying, students can receive financial aid through state-based grants, scholarships, and tuition reduction. 

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Alternative Application for State Postsecondary Student Financial Assistance is open exclusively to undocumented students. The completed application must be submitted to your college's financial aid office to be processed. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so completing the application early is recommended. Rhode Island Promise Scholarship program also allows students, including undocumented students, to pursue a tuition-free associate degree at the Community College of Rhode Island. 

Texas

The Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA) is used by some colleges and universities in Texas to provide financial aid to students who cannot complete the FAFSA, but are classified as Texas residents by the college they plan to attend. Before beginning the application, contact the school you plan to attend to verify your eligibility to submit the TASFA. As of June 6, 2025, Texas has updated its policy: undocumented students are no longer eligible for in-state tuition. However, DACA recipients, TPS holders, parolees, and others classified as “lawfully present” are exempt from this change.  

Utah

HB 144 allows eligible undocumented students to access in-state tuition at a Utah college or university. To be eligible, students must meet three specific requirements to establish Utah residency, have filed (or will file) an application to legalize their immigration status, and complete the HB144 Utah Nonresident Tuition Exemption Affidavit online. Check your college’s financial aid website for application information specific to your school. 

Virginia

The Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) is the state application available to Virginia students who are ineligible to submit the FAFSA. After completing the VASA, contact your college to confirm your eligibility for in-state tuition.

Washington

The state of Washington provides undocumented/DACA students access to financial aid by completing the Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA).

Washington D.C.

Although Washington D.C. does not have a separate application, UDC DREAM Amendment Act, Act 21-650 allows undocumented/DACA students to receive in-state tuition and local financial aid as long as they qualify for residency. To qualify, students must have attended high school in D.C. for three years, graduated from a high school in the District, or received an equivalent diploma. Reach out to your college’s financial aid office for assistance, and learn more here about financial aid resources for undocumented students.

Read more about applying to college as an undocumented student and check out our hand-picked list of scholarships for undocumented/DACA students. Have any questions? Text #Hello to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!