FAQs
Am I eligible for federal or state financial aid?
Under the Dream Act, undocumented students may be eligible for New York State administered grants and scholarships. You cannot receive federal aid unless you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
Am I eligible for the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)?
U.S. citizenship is not a requirement for admission to EOP. However, you 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.
My college requires students to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for institutional scholarships. If I have been granted DACA status and have received a social security number, can I complete the FAFSA?
Since you have a social security number, you can complete the FAFSA. There is no penalty for doing so, but undocumented students - including DACA recipients - are not eligible for federal aid. If you choose to complete the FAFSA, the Federal Student Aid office provides specific instructions for DACA students at: https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements/non-us-c…;
Will I be eligible for payment plans?
Yes. You can enroll in a payment plan.
Why am I being asked to submit TOEFL scores or other documentation for international students?
If a college contacts you requesting that you send TOEFL scores, foreign transcripts or financial statements, they have assumed that you are an international student. Call the admissions office to clarify.
If the DACA program is canceled or revoked, will my status as an enrolled student protect me from deportation?
Enrolled student status does not necessarily provide protection from removal; however, a 2011 memo from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) designates college campuses as “sensitive locations,” meaning that college campuses would not be the focus of law enforcement actions (i.e., arrests, searches, interviews, and surveillance) unless: (a) exigent circumstances exist; (b) other law enforcement actions have led officers to campus; or (c) prior approval is obtained.