Dreamers and Undocumented Students

There are many ways to fund a Graduate Student's education. Details can be found on the Graduate Student "Financing your Education" Website. Below are the most prominent options for Undocumented Graduate students, as federal student loans are not an option.

Oregon students make sure to: 

• File your Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) every year. (This is Oregon's alternative to the FAFSA) It opens on Oct 1 each year 
• Apply for scholarships through the Oregon Student Access and Commission 

Funding Ideas: 

• Determine the Costs
• Fellowships and/or Scholarships - Are the most viable funding options for undocumented students without DACA as they are not considered employment. It is important to know that each Fellowship and/or Scholarship has its own unique policies on eligibility. Also, application processes and procedures will vary
• Here is another list of scholarships - some of which are available for graduate students
• Graduate School Awards - Are administrated through the Graduate School. These awards require nomination from faculty/graduate programs. The application deadlines vary by award. Students must:
  • Identify award(s) and
  • Work with faculty or program to be nominated.
• Major Professor/Graduate Awards - Start a conversation early on with major professor and graduate school department about additional funding sources. Majority of graduate funding takes place at this level. Options to explore:
  • Tuition waiver options
  • Scholarships
  • What you take advantage of specifically?
  • Employment
• Ask your parent’s work places to see if they have scholarships for dependents of employees  
• Check out Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) which enable families with limited financial resources to save and build assets fast while developing good financial habits. You apply for a savings plan, the state then matches with a 1:5 ratio up to $8,000 for a total of $9,600 over 3 years
• Check out additional OSU financial resources 

• Online Guide to scholarships and resources for Undocumented master's students 

• A master's student source for earning an online degree 

If you have DACA:

• Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships (GTAs/GRAs) 
• Looking into employment opportunities that might help pay your education 
• Working for University Housing and Dining (UHDS). Some positions, such as a Resident Assistant (RA) Diversity Learning Assistant (DLA) and Academic Learning Assistant (ALA) provide free room and board plus a small monthly stipend. UHDS typically starts the hiring process for these positions for the next academic year winter term
• Working a student job at OSU 

Be sure to check out additional OSU Financial Resources here! 

Need help?

Contact Karen Hanson who can help you navigate the Graduate School system and resources!

Also, learn more about OSU Graduate Student resources and services!