DACA and Undocumented Student Application Process
Providence College welcomes applications from students of all backgrounds and residency statuses. We recognize that for students who find the question of citizenship to be tricky or uncomfortable, the already complex college search process can be made more so. This resource aims to answer questions you may have and provide guidance.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
First-year or transfer students who are undocumented or DACA-eligible (which for the purposes of this resource always includes TPS students or those without LPR/citizenship status) follow the same admission process as domestic students. Students with these citizenship statuses are not considered international students and not subject to the need-aware admission process. Information regarding our application process for domestic students can be found on the Apply section of the website.
FINANCING YOUR EDUCATION:
NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID: Governmental financial aid (Pell Grants, Direct Loans, Federal Work Study, etc.) is not available for undocumented or DACA-eligible applicants and, except for the scholarships mentioned below, the College does not provide institutional need-based grant to these students.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS: Undocumented or DACA-eligible applicants are eligible for merit-based scholarship consideration and reviewed in the context of the entire applicant pool. There is no separate application for these scholarships and the amounts range from $20,000 – $35,000. Merit-based scholarships at Providence College do not cover the entire cost of tuition, room, and board.
MULTICULTURAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM: Undocumented or DACA-eligible applicants of a diverse racial or ethnic background may apply for the Multicultural Scholarship Program. These are full-tuition scholarships with the exception of two scholarships that cover room and board, as well. This scholarship program considers a student’s financial need in addition to their potential leadership and involvement on our campus. The application for the scholarship is available on the Admission Status Portal following the submission of the Common Application. To be considered, students must apply for the scholarship and also submit the CSS Profile by the published deadlines. Students selected to receive a multicultural scholarship will be notified in late March. Approximately 50 scholarships will be awarded to admitted students.
WHEN DO I FIND OUT IF I RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?
- Merit-based scholarships are awarded at the time of admission and would be included in the acceptance letter.
- Multicultural Scholarship Program recipients are notified in late March.
- In conclusion, an admitted undocumented or DACA-eligible applicant who is receiving any form of financial assistance would know of their award by April 1. We regret that we are unable to extend financial support to all admitted undocumented or DACA-eligible students.
US CITIZENS WITH UNDOCUMENTED PARENTS/GUARDIANS:
Applicants who have undocumented or out of status parents or guardians are sometimes, and understandably so, concerned about applying for financial aid. It may be helpful to know a few things…
- The FAFSA does not ask about parent/guardian citizenship status nor does their status affect student eligibility for aid. The same is true with the CSS Profile.
- In the parental information section, accurate financial information for the parents/guardians should be provided and 000-00-0000 should be inputted as the parent/guardian’s social security number. Do not use a fake social security number or one that is only valid for work purposes.
EXPERIENCE ON-CAMPUS FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS:
We represent, welcome, and embrace people of every nation and faith, and we stand in solidarity with all the immigrant and international members of our community, documented or not. Our advocacy flows from the fact that the moral obligation to protect the dignity and life of every human person lies at the heart of Catholic Social Teaching. Every person is created in the image and likeness of our Creator and, as such, has inestimable value. Human persons are never to be treated with such wanton disregard for their flourishing, their well-being, or their psychological stability. This is especially the case with persons who are most vulnerable, which includes our immigrant youth.
Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Former College President
Providence Immigrant Rights Coalition –
The Providence Immigrant Rights Coalition strives to enhance the acceptance of the immigrant population at Providence College by challenging derogatory anti-immigrant discourse, educating the campus on current and past immigration systems and policies, and raising awareness of the injustices that impact undocumented students and their families. They work in solidarity with community organizations to push for crucial institutional changes at Providence College as well as the in the broader Rhode Island community. As no human being is illegal, PIRC serves as a supportive environment where undocumented students and students affected by harsh immigration laws and rhetoric will find a safe space that relies on the development of trust. Members of our group are never compelled to self identify and all involved act as considerate peer allies. PIRC is proud to share and draw upon its network of students, faculty, and staff who have recognized themselves as allies to undocumented students.
