Undocumented Students

Salem State University commits to hold justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion as values. These practices are embedded into the heart and soul of our institution. 

We welcome undocumented students to our university. If you are considering applying as an undocumented student, we encourage you to use the resources below. 

Undocumented Students may be eligible for:

• MA High School Completer - Tuition Equity Program (In-State Tuition): Undocumented, non-U.S. citizens who have attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years and earned a diploma (or the equivalent, such as a GED/HiSET) in Massachusetts, may be eligible for in-state tuition at Salem State.
  • Learn more about Tuition Equity in MA 
  • View the resources in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Kreyol
• Massachusetts State Financial Aid: Eligible students may complete the Tuition Equity Affidavit. Financial aid for undocumented students is still under determination. Details are not expected until 2024.
• TheDream.US Scholarship(s): TheDream.US scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and fees for highly motivated undocumented students who are eligible to receive in-state tuition in their home state (not applicable if attending a private institution) but still have significant, unmet financial need. They have no access to federal aid and limited access to state aid. Salem State University is now a partner school. Incoming or current students who are DACA or Undocumented can apply for the National scholarship. The deadline for the application is February 29, 2024. 
• Federal Financial Aid: Currently undocumented students are not eligible. For other sources of funding, we encourage students to look for private scholarships like TheDream.US and/or loans.

DACA Students may be eligible for:

• MA High School Completer - Tuition Equity Program: Undocumented, non-U.S. citizens who have attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years and earned a diploma (or the equivalent, such as a GED/HiSET) in Massachusetts, may be eligible for in-state tuition at Salem State.
  • Learn more about Tuition Equity in MA 
  • View the resources in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Kreyol

               OR 

• For DACA students who are ineligible through Tuition Equity, in 2012, the governor of Massachusetts announced that students who qualify for the Federal Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program could be charged in-state tuition and fees. In order to be eligible for in-state tuition, applicants must submit a copy of the C-33/DACA card or a copy of the I-797 Notice of Action on the online admissions application. Students who do not submit during the application process will be expected to provide the documentation prior to enrollment. Please be advised that this legislation may change.
• Massachusetts State Financial Aid: Currently, DACA students may be eligible. Please check the Massachusetts OSFA site for details. For other sources of funding, we encourage students to look for private scholarships and/or loans.
• TheDream.US Scholarship(s): TheDream.US scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and fees for highly motivated undocumented students who are eligible to receive in-state tuition in their home state (not applicable if attending a private institution) but still have significant, unmet financial need. They have no access to federal aid and limited access to state aid. Salem State University is now a partner school. Incoming or current students who are DACA or Undocumented can apply for the National scholarship. The deadline for the application is February 29, 2024. 
• Federal Financial Aid: Currently DACA students are not eligible. For other sources of funding, we encourage students to look for private scholarships like TheDream.US and/or loans.

How to complete the Common Application if you are a DACA or undocumented student

Resources for Salem State Students 

•  TheDream.US
• Student Navigation Center
• Student Wellness

Resources for Immigrants, Refugees and Undocumented individuals in MA

• MA Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
• MA State Office for Refugees and Immigrants
• Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center
• Welcome Immigrant Network
• Open Door Immigration Services
• Watch CDC
• Latinos Unidos en MA (LUMA)

Legal Resources focused on Immigration 

• National Immigration Law Center
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center
• American Immigration Lawyers Association
• Greater Boston Legal Services
• Boston Legal Resources for Immigrants 
• Mabel Center

Policy and Data Focused on Undocumented Students

• Higher Ed Immigration Portal 
• Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration

Additional Support and Scholarships for Immigrant and Undocumented College Students 

• Immigrants Rising
• Red Pine Scholars Program | TPI
• Student Immigrant Movement