As a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St. Edward’s University has a long history of educating students from diverse backgrounds. We value the contributions made by undocumented students to our community, and we are committed to providing students with the support they need.
If you have any questions please contact Financial Aid Counselor Wilson Ramirez (orador español). You can also reach Wilson via phone at 512-448-8522
Undocumented students are foreign nationals for which one of the following may be true:
- entered the US without inspection
- entered the US legally but overstayed
- have or had Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- are in the process of becoming a documented citizen
- are vulnerable immigrants
The term "undocumented immigrant" refers to any person residing in any given country without legal documentation.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
DACA is a federal program for people who come to the US as children and meet several eligibility requirements. DACA provides a two-year deportation reprieve and applicants may apply for a work authorization permit, which is subject to renewal. It does not provide lawful status. Only adults who were 31 years old or younger on June 15, 2012, qualify for this program.
For more information about DACA, visit www.uscis.gov/archive/renew-your-daca
Merit and Institutional aid
Undocumented or DACA students are eligible for the same merit scholarship as U.S. Citizens. St. Edward's University offers undergraduate academic scholarships through the review of your admission application. Students are notified of their merit scholarship award in their acceptance letter.
To be considered for aid beyond merit scholarships, students have several options:
Need-based Grants for DACA and Undocumented Students (undergraduates only)
Need-based grants are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.
How to Apply for Financial Aid at St. Edward’s
The priority application deadline is February 15 for new students and March 1 for current students.
| TASFA - For Texas students | FAFSA (on paper) - For out of state students | FAFSA (online) - Optional for students with a DACA SSN |
|---|---|---|
TASFA - For Texas students : Texas Application for State Financial Aid (English and Spanish) | FAFSA (on paper) - For out of state students : Click here for English version Click here for Spanish version | FAFSA (online) - Optional for students with a DACA SSN : Federal Student Aid Application ED Announces Resolution for FAFSA Contributors Without SSNs Coming in ‘First Half’ of March Additional Information from Federal Student Aid abril de 2024 - Cómo presentar el formulario FAFSA® 2024-25 How To Submit a 2024–25 FAFSA® Form in Spanish |
Other requirements:
- Tax Return Transcripts from IRS.gov OR
- Tax Return(s) with signatures OR
- Signed statement about untaxed income OR
- foreign tax documents is applicable
Please submit all documents through our secured online myHilltop portal.
Loans
Undocumented students are not eligible for U.S. federal educational loans since these loans require U.S. citizenship or certain eligible non-citizen status.
Private/alternative educational loans are an option for Undocumented and DACA students. These loans allow application with a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident co-signer. The loan co-signer must have a U.S. social security number, a satisfactory credit history, and demonstrate sufficient current income to repay credit obligations (including the educational loan). With a creditworthy co-signer, a student can borrow up to the Cost of Attendance minus other financial aid. The interest rates on these loans are variable.
St. Edward’s Monthly Payment Plan
St. Edward’s monthly payment plan offers an opportunity for students to take advantage of this payment plan to pay out their expenses over the course of a semester. The university does not charge interest for the deferred portion of the payment plan, although it does charge a nominal participation fee each semester. Students can elect to enroll in this plan during registration.
Outside Scholarship Opportunities
Learn more about Outside Scholarship Opportunities (scholarship funding outside of St. Edward's)