Procedures

DREAMer scholarships in Maryland — college financial aid without SSN

Scholarships and financial aid for DREAMer/DACA/undocumented students in Maryland. Friendly universities, Tuition Equity, private programs, FAFSA alternatives.

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DREAMer / DACA / Undocumented Scholarships in Maryland

Maryland at a glance

Maryland is home to about 1,004,839 foreign-born residents (16.3% of the state’s 6,170,738 people) and 744,272 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (12.1%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2023 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Maryland regardless of immigration status unless noted.

If you’re a DACA, undocumented, or protected-status student, there are paths to finance college education in Maryland WITHOUT needing SSN or federal status.

Private scholarships (no SSN required)

National DREAMer scholarships

TheDream.US — main scholarship: $14,500 community college, $33,000 university partner
Hispanic Scholarship Fund — multiple scholarships, some no SSN
Golden Door Scholars — full ride University for DACA
Hispanic Heritage Foundation — Youth Awards $1,000-$5,000
QuestBridge National College Match — some universities accept DACA
FastWeb and BoldOrg — searchers with DACA/undocumented filter

Religious / community scholarships

National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) — journalism / film
National Latina/o Education Research Initiative (NLERI)
Latin GRAMMY Foundation — music
Hispanic churches — many have university funds

State financial aid in Maryland

Maryland Dream Act / state financial aid for undocumented students: verify with one of these organizations:

Higher Ed Immigration Portal — state-by-state laws and programs
Undocumented student associations at public universities in Maryland
Admissions offices of public universities in Maryland

DREAMer-friendly universities in Maryland

Look for these indicators:

“Sanctuary Campus” — non-cooperation policy with ICE
DACA Resource Center or Undocumented Student Services
Specific counseling for undocumented students
Endowed scholarships for DREAMers (rich private universities)

Private universities frequently offer best deals to DACA/undocumented:

Pomona, Williams, Amherst, Princeton, Harvard, Yale — some need-blind for undocumented
Trinity, Tufts, Wellesley, Bryn Mawr — generous financial aid

Costs to consider

Tuition: in-state vs out-of-state is HUGE difference ($10K vs $40K/year typically)
Books and supplies: ~$1,200-$1,500/year
Housing: varies by city
Health insurance (sometimes required): varies

Cost reduction options

Community college first (2 years) — much cheaper, then transfer to university
In-state tuition if your state has Tuition Equity
Live at home while studying
Work with EAD (if you have DACA) — Federal Work-Study no, but on-campus jobs at many universities accept EAD
Apply early — many scholarships have November-January deadlines

Resources by organization

UnitedWeDream — DACA resources + scholarships
Immigrants Rising — scholarships + entrepreneur training
Generation Hope — support to young student parents
CHIRLA, RAICES, NALEO — Latino organizations with college info
NACAC College Counselor for Undocumented Students (free)

Important (CRITICAL)

Your academic info is NOT shared with USCIS or ICE
FERPA protects educational records — only parents/guardians can see with permission
Don’t need to show immigration status to enroll in most university programs
If you have DACA: keep renewal current to not lose EAD

Last verified: 2026-05-25.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.

Consulate of your country in the US — passport renewal, consular ID, document apostille
ITIN — file federal taxes without SSN — required regardless of immigration status
USCIS form library — federal immigration forms (I-130, I-485, N-400, etc.)
Find an immigration attorney — pro bono lists + AILA + BIA-recognized
Know Your Rights — ICE encounters — constitutional protections

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to college in Maryland being undocumented or DACA?

YES. Public and private universities in Maryland accept DACA/undocumented students. Private universities frequently offer generous financial aid. Public universities in ‘Tuition Equity’ states (CA, TX, NY, IL, NJ, MD, NM, NE, WA, OR, KS, MN, CT, RI, FL, VA, CO, MA, …) offer in-state tuition.

Do I qualify for FAFSA or federal aid without SSN?

NO federal FAFSA (requires SSN or eligible status). But MANY states have alternative state FAFSA (California Dream Act Application, etc.), and private scholarships don’t require SSN.

Do universities in Maryland ask immigration status on application?

PRIVATE universities generally do NOT ask status. Public universities in Maryland may ask to determine in-state vs out-of-state tuition, but don’t share with immigration authorities.

The rules change. Hear about it first.

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General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.