Undocumented / DACA Applicants

As an undocumented or DACA applicant, you’re eligible for the same need-blind admissions policy and processes as US Citizens, permanent residents and eligible non-citizens.  (“Need-blind” means we evaluate admissions applications without regard to financial need.)

Columbia University is among the most diverse college campuses in the US, with a long history of civic engagement and activism. We’re also committed to removing barriers to college access with one of the most generous financial aid programs in the nation. That’s why our admissions application process is largely the same for everyone, regardless of citizenship or country of residence.

One of the highlights of our financial aid program is that we meet 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all students admitted as first-years, or transfer students pursuing their first degree, regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students and DACA recipients are not eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, so Columbia College and Columbia Engineering meet their full need entirely from institutional resources.

Undocumented/DACA Applicants FAQs

As an undocumented student, am I eligible for financial aid? What if I hold DACA status?

Yes. Columbia is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need of all students admitted as first-year, transfer or Combined Plan students, regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students, regardless of DACA status, are not eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, so we cover their need entirely from Columbia funding. For admissions purposes, undocumented students are evaluated in a need-blind manner, which means we evaluate admissions applications without regard to financial need.