Undocumented and DACA Students Information
As an Undocumented and DACA student, you are an important part of our community. We recognize the challenges you face in higher education and understand how important it is that we do not require you to show proof of citizenship to enroll at Oakton.
Through the
Office of Access, Equity and Diversity, Oakton will provide diversity and equity services and resources to support you throughout your college experience. The
Caring Closet provides nonperishable food and self-care items, such as soap and deodorant, at no cost to Oakton students who express a need. Our Undocumented and DACA Student Support Group (UDSG) continuously works to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.
Apply to Attend Oakton as an Undocumented/DACA Student
Financial Assistance
We want to help you pay for college. Undocumented and DACAmented students in Illinois are eligible for in-district tuition rates and have access to scholarships. In 2011, through the passage of the Illinois Dream Act, Illinois became the first state to create a private scholarship fund for undocumented and DACAmented students. The Illinois Dream Fund Commission began awarding scholarships in 2013.
Completing the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires one of the following statuses: NOTE: Without any of the statuses mentioned below, undocumented students should not complete the FAFSA.
- U.S. citizenship status or Permanent Resident status
(Note: U.S. citizens and LPR students are eligible for FAFSA even if their parents are undocumented).
- Eligible non-citizenship status as determined through G-845
- Conditional Resident status
- Granted Asylum/Refugee status
- Cuban-Haitian Entrant status
- Conditional Entrant status
- Battered Immigrant – qualified alien status (VAWA)
Scholarships
Regardless of citizenship status, we encourage all students to apply for scholarships. The Financial Assistance office manages a large portfolio of scholarships, many of which are provided through the generosity of donors to the Oakton Educational Foundation. Criteria for each scholarship varies and has been established by the sponsor. Examples of scholarship criteria include: residency, enrollment status (e.g., full-time: 12 or more hours; part-time: 6-11 hours), academic achievement, grade point average, earned college credit, or pursuit of particular college majors. For more information, visit Oakton Scholarships, email the Enrollment Center at [email protected] or call 847.635.1700.
More College Resources
Advising
The Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success (OATSS) is dedicated to helping you identify your educational needs so you may achieve your academic goals. Services include:
- Course selection recommendations and schedule planning
- Academic progress support and monitoring
- Certificate, degree completion and transfer planning
For additional information, visit Advising at Oakton, email Advising Services at [email protected] or call 847.635.1700.
Transferring Foreign Credits to Oakton
Students who have earned college credits at a foreign college or university may be eligible to transfer those credits to Oakton.
For more information, visit
Transferring Foreign Credits to Oakton.
Caring Closet
The Caring Closet supplies nonperishable food and self-care items, such as soap and deodorant, at no cost to Oakton students who express a need.
For more information, visit Caring Closet or email [email protected].