Admissions & Financial Aid Information for Undocumented Students

The University of Rochester is deeply committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. In that spirit we welcome first-year and transfer students who represent differences in religious beliefs, socioeconomic backgrounds, values, and points of view; they may be physically different, have different intellectual interests, or have different abilities. This also includes non-US citizens and undocumented students—with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). For more information on citizenship status and federal aid eligibility, please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/eligibility/non-us-citizens.

The University of Rochester is committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated need of all admitted students. Undocumented students are considered for need-based financial like any other U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Undocumented students are also considered for merit scholarships!

Applying for Admission

Undocumented students should follow the same application procedure for all domestic (not international) applicants to the University of Rochester. View our application requirements. You can apply under any admissions round (Early Decision, Regular Decision, transfer) regardless of citizenship status. Early Decision is a binding process in which you agree to enroll if admitted. Because we offer need-based financial aid, applying Early Decision or Regular Decision will not affect the amount of financial aid you receive.

Applying for Financial Aid

Because federal financial aid is not available for undocumented students, Rochester provides institutional financial aid in its place. Therefore, a FAFSA is not required to apply for aid; however, undocumented students must file the International Student CSS Profile.

1. Complete the International Student CSS Profile. If you qualified for a fee waiver for the SAT, you will automatically qualify for a fee waiver for the CSS Profile.
2. If you and/or your parents/guardians file taxes, send required financial documents directly to IDOC. (The citizenship status of your parents/guardians does not affect your eligibility to receive financial aid from Rochester.)
3. If you and/or your parents/guardians do not file or will not file taxes, fill out a Nontax Filer Statement (found on the IDOC website) and send it directly to IDOC.
4. Complete your financial aid application on time!Deadlines vary for Early Decision, Regular Decision, and transfer students. Visit our financial aid website for more information.

CSS Profile applications are available online starting October 1, 2018 for the 2019-2020 academic year. Please reach out to our International Financial Aid Counselor and undocumented/DACA support contact at Lucinda.snyder@rochester.edu should you have any further questions.

The University has support services in place for students who identify as undocumented, DACA, or DACAmented. Get more information on services available.