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Undocumented Students

Does Northwestern accept applications from undocumented students?

Yes. Northwestern welcomes first-year and transfer applications from undocumented/DACA students.

Is it necessary for undocumented students to have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) status in order to be considered for admission?

No. We welcome applications from both undocumented students and students with DACA status.

Is there any advantage in the admissions process for undocumented students who have DACA versus those who do not?

No. There are no advantages in the admissions process for undocumented students who have DACA versus those who do not.

Are DACA/undocumented students considered in the "domestic pool" of applicants? If not, are they considered in the "international pool" or a separate "undocumented pool"?

Undocumented/DACA applicants are considered alongside domestic applicants.

Do DACA/undocumented students have the same rate of acceptance as domestic students?

We do not separate and publish statistics for any individual population of students, including undocumented/DACA.

Does financial need impact admission for DACA/undocumented students?

For the vast majority of our applicants, including undocumented/DACA students, we review their candidacies without regard to how much financial aid they may need, and we can admit any student regardless of how high their demonstrated need.

Are undocumented/DACA students eligible for financial aid?

Yes. Both undocumented students and students with DACA status are eligible for need-based financial aid. Northwestern Financial Aid conducts a holistic review of each student’s economic situation. Students do not have to commit to Northwestern without seeing their aid decision as long as they file the appropriate applications in a timely fashion.

For more information on applying for aid, please see our Undergraduate Financial Aid website.

What resources does Northwestern have for DACA/undocumented students?

Northwestern welcomes students who identify as undocumented or who have DACA status. For more information on how Northwestern supports students, head to the Student Enrichment Services page for DACA and undocumented students.