DREAMer / DACA / Undocumented Scholarships in Michigan

Michigan at a glance

Michigan is home to about 728,881 foreign-born residents (7.2% of the state’s 10,077,761 people) and 592,045 residents of Hispanic or Latino origin (5.9%), per the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (2024 5-year estimates). The procedures below apply to everyone in Michigan regardless of immigration status unless noted.

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

College access for undocumented/DACA students — Michigan
In-state tuitionLIMITED — campus-based or DACA-only — No statewide law; campus-by-campus tuition equity (e.g., University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan)
State financial aidNO — No state program; the private MI ECHO scholarship ended in 2025
Verifywww.higheredimmigrationportal.org

Verified 2026-06-10. This area is changing fast amid the 2025-2026 federal litigation wave (Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Nebraska lost access; more cases are pending) — confirm with the college before making decisions.

Private scholarships (no SSN required)

National DREAMer scholarships

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 Michigan

NO state aid here — No state program; the private MI ECHO scholarship ended in 2025 (verified June 2026). Track changes via:

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

DREAMer-friendly universities in Michigan

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

  1. Community college first (2 years) — much cheaper, then transfer to university
  2. In-state tuition if your state has Tuition Equity
  3. Live at home while studying
  4. Work with EAD (if you have DACA) — Federal Work-Study no, but on-campus jobs at many universities accept EAD
  5. 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: 2026-06-15.

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.