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For immigrant and refugee students, the single biggest factor in how you pay for college is your immigration status — it determines which aid you can get. The good news: nearly every status has a path. Here's how the main categories break down.
Permanent residents (green-card holders)
Full federal aidLawful permanent residents are eligible for federal financial aid just like citizens — file the FAFSA, get the Pell Grant and loans. You also qualify for in-state tuition like any resident of your state. Your status is treated essentially the same as a citizen's for aid.
Refugees, asylees, and certain humanitarian statuses
Often eligibleRefugees, asylees, and several other eligible noncitizen categories can also file the FAFSA and receive federal aid. If your status is in this group, don't assume aid is closed — you're likely eligible. The FAFSA lists which statuses qualify.
DACA and undocumented students
State + private aidDACA recipients and undocumented students cannot get federal aid, but in Arizona, Proposition 308 allows in-state tuition for those who qualify, and scholarships like TheDream.US and many private/institutional awards don't require citizenship. There is a real path — it just runs through state and private aid.
Visa holders (F-1 and other international)
Institutional aidStudents on temporary visas generally aren't eligible for federal aid and pay international/out-of-state rates, but many colleges offer institutional scholarships to international students. The rules differ from immigrant residents — check each school's international aid.
Many immigrants qualify for full federal aid
If you're a permanent resident, refugee, asylee, or in several other eligible categories, you file the FAFSA and receive aid just like a citizen — including the Pell Grant. Don't skip the FAFSA assuming you can't qualify; check the eligible-noncitizen list first.
For DACA and undocumented students in Arizona, Proposition 308 unlocked in-state tuition for those who attended and graduated from an Arizona high school — a huge cost difference. Combined with scholarships that don't require citizenship, college is achievable even without federal aid.
Immigration categories are complex, and the wrong assumption can cost you aid you're entitled to — or lead you to overpay. Confirm your specific status with a financial aid office or a trusted immigrant-serving organization, and check both federal and state/ institutional options.
Find your path: see scholarships for undocumented students, file with the Arizona FAFSA guide, and explore aid you might be missing.