Undocumented and DACA Applicants
Wesleyan has a history and tradition of welcoming students from all backgrounds. With inclusion and equal opportunity as two of our most essential values, we welcome all undergraduate applicants regardless of citizenship status. If you are an undocumented student graduating from a U.S. high school with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and you apply to Wesleyan, you will be considered in the same process and manner as any domestic U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident student in your high school.
Applying
Students can apply using the Common Application, a QuestBridge application (in either the College Match process or as a Regular or Early Decision candidate), or Scoir.
Financial Aid
Wesleyan meets 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all admitted students who apply for financial aid during the admission process. As an undocumented student, you will be considered for need-based financial aid like any U.S. citizen or permanent resident applicant. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented students, Wesleyan’s institutional funding is used in the place of federal funding.
The financial aid process for undocumented students is like the process for U.S. citizens and permanent residents; however, the federal government’s FAFSA application is waived (not required).
Frequently Asked Questions
- I am an undocumented student interested in applying to Wesleyan as a first-year or transfer student. How does the application process work for me?
Wesleyan welcomes applications from any student regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students (with or without DACA) should follow the same application procedures as domestic applicants, and can use the Common Application, the QuestBridge application, and Scoir.
- Am I eligible for financial aid at Wesleyan as an undocumented student?
Yes. Wesleyan University meets 100% of demonstrated need for all admitted students who applied for financial aid during the admission process. Undocumented students who graduated from a high school in the US are considered for need-based financial aid like any U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented students, institutional funding is used in its place.
- How does the financial aid process work for undocumented students?
Because undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, Wesleyan offers need-based institutional financial aid. To be considered for aid, students must complete the College Board CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE (CSS) and submit their parents’ income tax returns, if available. If your parents do not file taxes, you can submit a Nontax Filer Statement.
For more information on the financial aid process, requirements and deadlines, visit Affordability and Aid.
- I am an undocumented student with DACA status. Can I submit a FAFSA?
No, the FAFSA is not required for undocumented students with or without DACA status.
- What financial information or documents do my parents have to provide?
Whether or not your parents file taxes, you must provide your parents’ financial information on the CSS Profile application. An undocumented student whose parents file taxes can complete the CSS Profile by using the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If your parents will not file taxes or do not have an ITIN, use “000-00-0000” in place of a Social Security Number on the CSS Profile application.
- My parents are undocumented and I am applying for financial aid. Will my financial aid be affected by my parents' status?
No, your parents’ citizenship status will not affect your financial aid eligibility. In addition to the financial information on the CSS Profile application, you will need to submit other financial documents to be considered for Wesleyan need-based financial aid. If your parents file taxes, you will need to submit your parent’s tax returns and W-2 income statements via IDOC, the College Board’s document imaging system.. If your parents do not file taxes, you can submit a Nontax Filer Statement via IDOC.
- Do I qualify for work-study as an undocumented student?
Undocumented students demonstrating financial need are eligible for non-federal work-study jobs on campus. Undocumented students with employment authorization may be able to find on and off campus employment.
- As an undocumented student, should I apply Early Decision or Regular Decision?
You can apply under any admissions round (Early Decision I or II, Regular Decision, Transfer, QuestBridge College Match) regardless of citizenship status. The QuestBridge College Match and Early Decision are binding processes in which you agree to enroll if admitted. Because Wesleyan meets 100% of demonstrated financial need, applying Early Decision or Regular Decision will not affect the amount of financial aid you receive.