DACA students can qualify for private student loans, scholarships, and state financial aid programs, even though federal student aid is not available. Some private lenders specifically work with DACA recipients, while others allow applications with a qualified U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.
The best student loans for DACA students typically come from lenders that offer flexible citizenship requirements, strong cosigner support, or no-cosigner options. In this guide, we compare the top lenders for DACA recipients, explain eligibility requirements, and cover scholarships, state aid, and alternatives if you can’t qualify for a student loan.
Table of Contents
- Can DACA students get student loans?
- Best student loans for DACA students
- What do DACA students need to qualify for private student loans?
- Can DACA students fill out the FAFSA?
- Scholarships
- State financial aid
- States that offer in-state tuition for DACA students
- What if you can’t qualify for a DACA student loan?
- FAQ
- Takeaways
Can DACA students get student loans?
Yes, DACA students can qualify for private student loans through certain banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Many lenders require a U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner, though some lenders offer no-cosigner options for eligible DACA students.
DACA recipients are not eligible for:
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loans
- Direct Unsubsidized Loans
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal work-study
- PLUS loans
However, DACA students may still qualify for:
- Private student loans
- State financial aid
- In-state tuition programs
- Scholarships for undocumented students
- School-based aid
Best student loans for DACA students
Best no-cosigner student loans for DACA students: MPOWER
MPOWER Financing is one of the best student loan lenders for DACA students because it does not require a cosigner, collateral, or existing U.S. credit history. Instead of focusing heavily on credit scores, MPOWER evaluates factors such as future earning potential and school eligibility.
This lender may work well for undergraduate and graduate students attending one of MPOWER’s approved schools in the U.S. or Canada.
What we like
- No cosigner required
- No collateral required
- No U.S. credit history required
- Available specifically for DACA students and international students
What to keep in mind
- Higher interest rates than many traditional private lenders
- Only available at approved schools
- Fewer repayment term options
Loan details
| Fixed rates (APR) | 13.98% – 17.08% |
| Loan amounts | $2,001 – $100,000 |
| Repayment terms | 10 years |
Best for DACA students with a Social Security number: College Ave
College Ave may be a strong option for DACA students who have a Social Security number and can apply with a qualified cosigner. The lender offers undergraduate, graduate, parent, and career student loans with flexible repayment options and no origination fees.
Borrowers can choose from several repayment structures while in school, including deferred, interest-only, flat monthly, or full repayment.
What we like
- Multiple repayment options
- No origination or prepayment fees
- Loans for undergraduate, graduate, and career programs
- Available for students enrolled less than half-time
What to keep in mind
- Most DACA borrowers need a cosigner
- Social Security number required
- Cosigner release takes longer than some competitors
Loan details
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 8, 10, or 15 years |
Best for flexible enrollment options: Sallie Mae
Sallie Mae offers private student loans for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs. DACA students may qualify with a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.
One advantage of Sallie Mae is its flexible eligibility for enrollment. Borrowers may qualify whether they attend school full-time, half-time, or less than half-time.
What we like
- Multiple loan options
- Flexible enrollment requirements
- No origination or prepayment fees
- Interest-rate reduction for in-school payments
What to keep in mind
- Cosigner usually required
- Limited transparency for DACA-specific approval requirements
- Fewer repayment term choices than some competitors
Loan details
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 10 – 15 years |
Best for multiple loan options: Ascent
Ascent stands out because it offers both cosigned and some non-cosigned student loan options for eligible DACA students. Borrowers applying without a cosigner generally need high income and credit qualifications.
DACA students applying with Ascent must provide documentation showing their DACA status remains valid long enough to cover the enrollment period tied to the loan.
What we like
- Cosigned and some non-cosigned loans available
- No origination or disbursement fees
- Strong loan flexibility
- Scholarship opportunities available
What to keep in mind
- Non-cosigned approval can be difficult
- DACA documentation requirements are stricter than some competitors
- Cosigner release restrictions apply for some borrowers
Loan details
| Fixed rates (APR) | 3.79% – 16.20%* |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.34% – 14.84% |
| Loan amounts | $2,001 – $200,000 |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
Best for flexible repayment: Earnest
Earnest may work well for DACA students who want flexible repayment options and borrower-friendly features. The lender considers factors beyond credit scores during underwriting, though many DACA borrowers still apply with a cosigner.
Earnest also offers a longer grace period than many competitors and allows eligible borrowers to skip one payment annually.
What we like
- Skip-a-payment feature
- 9-month grace period
- Multiple repayment terms
- Merit-based underwriting approach
What to keep in mind
- Cosigners must meet strict requirements
- DACA borrowers may still need a cosigner
- Not available in every state
Loan details
| Fixed rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Variable rates (APR) | 4.13% – 17.99% |
| Loan amounts | $1,000 – 100% of certified costs |
| Repayment terms | 5, 7, 10, 12, or 15 years |
What do DACA students need to qualify for private student loans?
Most private student loan lenders require DACA students to meet several eligibility requirements before approval.
| Requirement | Typical requirement |
|---|---|
| DACA status | Valid and unexpired |
| Social Security number | Often required |
| School enrollment | Eligible U.S. school |
| Cosigner | Usually required |
| Credit score | Depends on lender |
| Income | Often required for cosigner approval |
Approval requirements vary by lender. Some lenders focus heavily on credit scores and income, while others consider factors such as school, degree program, or projected earnings after graduation.
Do DACA students need a cosigner?
Usually, yes. Most private student loan lenders require DACA students to apply with a qualified U.S. citizen or permanent resident cosigner.
A cosigner can improve approval odds and may help borrowers qualify for lower rates. Some lenders also require the cosigner to meet minimum income and credit score thresholds.
However, a few lenders, including MPOWER Financing and certain Ascent loan programs, offer options that may not require a cosigner.
Can DACA students fill out the FAFSA?
DACA students can complete the FAFSA in some situations if a state or school requires it for state-based aid consideration. However, completing the FAFSA does not make DACA students eligible for federal student aid programs.
Some states use FAFSA information to determine eligibility for:
- State scholarship programs
- Institutional aid
- State grants
- Tuition assistance
If your state or college instructs you to complete the FAFSA, follow the school’s guidance carefully.
Scholarships for DACA students
Scholarships are one of the best ways for DACA students to reduce college costs because they do not need to be repaid.
Golden Door Scholarship
Best for: Mentorship and career support
Golden Door provides scholarships for undocumented and DACA students with demonstrated financial need. The organization also offers mentorship, internships, and professional development support.
TheDream.US National Scholarship
Best for: Tuition assistance
TheDream.US National Scholarship helps cover tuition and fees for eligible students attending partner colleges. Awards may provide up to:
- $16,500 for associate degrees
- $33,000 for bachelor’s degrees
TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship
Best for: Students in locked-out states
This scholarship is designed for students living in states where undocumented students have limited access to in-state tuition. Awards may provide up to $80,000 for:
- Tuition
- Fees
- Housing
- Meals
State financial aid for DACA students
Federal financial aid is unavailable to DACA students, but many states offer financial aid programs or in-state tuition policies for undocumented students and DACA recipients.
Some states provide:
- State grants
- Tuition assistance
- State scholarship programs
- Reduced in-state tuition rates
Availability depends heavily on where you live and attend school.
States that offer in-state tuition for DACA students
Several states allow undocumented students or DACA recipients to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.
| State | In-state tuition available? |
|---|---|
| California | Yes |
| Texas | Yes |
| New York | Yes |
| Minnesota | Yes |
| Illinois | Yes |
| Washington | Yes |
| New Jersey | Yes |
| Colorado | Yes |
Policies change frequently. Check with your state higher education agency or financial aid office for current eligibility rules.
What if you can’t qualify for a DACA student loan?
If private student loans are not an option, you may still have several ways to pay for school.
Scholarships
Scholarships remain one of the best funding sources because they don’t need to be repaid.
State financial aid
Many states offer grants, tuition assistance, or in-state tuition access for DACA students and undocumented students.
Tuition payment plans
Some schools offer monthly tuition payment plans that spread costs over the semester rather than requiring a lump-sum payment.
Community college transfer pathways
Starting at a community college and transferring later can significantly reduce your borrowing needs.
Personal loans
Some lenders offer personal loans to noncitizens or DACA recipients. However, personal loans often have:
- Higher interest rates
- Shorter repayment terms
- Lower borrowing limits
Unlike student loans, personal loans also usually lack deferment protections and education-specific repayment benefits.
Employer tuition assistance
Some employers help cover tuition costs for eligible employees through tuition reimbursement or education assistance programs.
FAQ
Can DACA students qualify for federal student loans?
No, DACA students are not eligible for federal student loans because they do not meet federal citizenship or eligible noncitizen requirements.
Can DACA students get private student loans?
Yes, some private lenders offer student loans to DACA recipients. Many require a qualified cosigner, though a few lenders offer no-cosigner options.
Which student loan lenders work with DACA students?
Some of the best lenders for DACA students include:
Do DACA students need a Social Security number for student loans?
Some lenders require a Social Security number, while others may allow alternative documentation. Requirements vary by lender.
Can DACA students qualify for in-state tuition?
Yes, many states allow DACA students or undocumented students to qualify for in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities.
How can DACA students improve approval odds for private student loans?
Applying with a creditworthy cosigner, building credit history, maintaining income stability, and attending an eligible school may improve the odds of approval.
Takeaways
DACA students may face more barriers than other borrowers when paying for college, but private student loans, scholarships, and state financial aid programs can still make higher education possible.
For borrowers who need a no-cosigner option, MPOWER Financing may be the strongest fit. Students with a qualified cosigner may find lower rates and more flexible repayment options through lenders such as College Ave, Sallie Mae, Earnest, or Ascent.
Before borrowing, compare multiple lenders, explore every scholarship opportunity available, and check whether your state offers tuition assistance or in-state tuition programs for DACA students.
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About our contributors
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Written by Rebecca Lake, CEPF®Rebecca Lake is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF®) and freelance writer specializing in finance.
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Edited by Kristen Barrett, MATKristen Barrett is a managing editor at LendEDU. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her wife and their pack of senior rescue dogs. She has edited and written personal finance content since 2015.
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Reviewed by Gail Urban, CFP®Gail Urban, CFP®, AAMS®, has been a licensed financial advisor since 2009, specializing in helping individuals. Before personal financial advising, she worked as a business financial manager in several industries for about 25 years.