Undocumented Applicants

As an undocumented student, your application will be evaluated under our general need-blind admissions policy and processes.  (“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. If any admitted student is not eligible to receive federal or state financial aid, Columbia College and Columbia Engineering will meet their full need entirely from institutional resources.

Undocumented/DACA Applicants FAQs

As an undocumented student, am I eligible for financial aid?

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. Any admitted student who is not eligible to receive federal and state financial aid, such as undocumented and international students, will have their need entirely covered by Columbia institutional funding. For admissions purposes, undocumented students are evaluated in our general need-blind manner, which means we evaluate admissions applications without regard to financial need.