Undocumented students do not have access to in-state tuition in Tennessee and cannot receive federal or state financial aid. However, there are other ways they and their families can pay for higher education.
Undocumented Student Resources
Types of Financial Aid
Persist Nashville created this resource to give an overview of the different ways immigrant students can pay for higher education.
Undocumented Students and Financial Aid
The Federal Student Aid website includes this resource for undocumented students. Undocumented students without social security numbers (SSN) are not able to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
It is important to remember that in Tennessee, undocumented students are not eligible for federal or state aid, so institutions may waive the FAFSA submission requirement on their application. Please contact the specific institutions you are considering applying to and ask what their process is for undocumented students.
Paying for College
College may feel out of reach because it seems to costly. Use our guide to better understand the true cost of different postsecondary options and learn more about scholarship opportunities for undocumented students. This document should not be taken in place of legal advice from a board-certified legal professional. For legal advice, please visit Immigration Law Help or Immigration Legal Intake Service from Immigrants Rising.
EdTrust Guidance on Filling Out the 25-26 FAFSA for Students from Mixed-Status Families
All United States citizens are fully entitled to benefits granted under the FAFSA. For students who have parent(s) without an SSN and are considering filling out the FAFSA, EdTrust has issued official guidance.
Navigating the Better FAFSA
For those looking for general guidance on completing the FAFSA, EdTrust has compiled a list of resources including further resources for mixed-status families, homeless and foster youth, justice-impacted youth, and others.
FAFSA Messaging Template
For educators, staff, or others who seek to help complete the FAFSA, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration has issued messaging guidance.
More from the Undocumented Student Resource Hub
Preparing
Are you a high school student wondering what you need to do now to prepare for college?
Paying
What options are available to help undocumented students in Tennessee pay for college?
Supporting
Are you an educator wanting to create an inclusive environment for undocumented students?
Graduating
How can undocumented graduates prepare to confidently enter the workforce?
