Undocumented Student Information

Who are undocumented students?

Undocumented students are school-age immigrants who live in the United States after entering the country without inspection or after overstaying their visas. Undocumented students can apply for admissions to Oregon State University but are required to submit either a HB 2787 tuition equity affidavit or tuition equity form in order for their admissions application to be processed. Some undocumented students may be part of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) while others are not.

Resident Alien A resident alien is an immigrant who possesses a Resident Alien Card, is a permanent resident of the United States, but does not have citizenship. A student who possesses a Permanent Resident Card (Resident Alien Card-RAC) is not considered an undocumented student. When applying to Oregon State University a Resident Alien should select “Resident Alien” as their citizenship status on the application and must submit a copy of the front and back of their resident alien card to the OSU Office of Admissions in order for their application to be processed.

Undocumented- An undocumented person does not have valid immigration status in the U.S. Undocumented students applying to Oregon State University should fill out the domestic student application, select “Non-U.S. Citizen” for their citizenship status and use 999999999 as their social security number unless they have been granted a social security number through DACA. Undocumented students are required to submit a Tuition Equity Affidavit or form in order for their admissions application to be processed.

DACA/DACA-mented- Students who are DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), also known as “DACA-mented” students, are still considered undocumented students even though they may have a social security number and/or an Employment Authorization Card. DACA students should follow the same steps as an undocumented student when applying to Oregon State. A copy of your Employment Authorization Card is not required for admission processing.

Refugee/Asylum- A student who is a refugee or is in the United States on asylum is not considered an undocumented student. A student who fits this classification should apply to Oregon State University using the domestic application, list their citizenship as a “Resident Alien” and submit a copy of the I-797 or I-94 showing their immigration status.

International Student- An international student is a student who is entering or entered the United States with a valid non-immigrant status in the US. International students should apply using the International Student application. Certain visa holders, such as dependents of non-immigrants in H-1B or E-2 status, may be eligible for in-state tuition. Students should view the OSU residency page to determine if they are eligible for tuition residency.  International students who are in the process of changing their immigration status, or who have questions about their immigration status, should consult with International Admissions https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/international.

Oregon State University offers a holistic approach to its application review process meaning we consider all achievements, both academic and non-academic, when evaluating applications.

This includes but is not limited to the strength of coursework the student completes during high school, AP/IB or college course coursework, academic performance (GPA and **ACT/SAT scores), creativity, initiative, motivation, leadership, persistence, service to others, intellectual curiosity, exceptional academic talent, substantial experience with other cultures, and the ability to overcome significant challenges. For more information about application deadlines and requirements visit the admissions website.

Students interested in applying to Oregon State University can find the admissions application online. All freshman and transfer students who are applying for a bachelor’s degree program are considered undergraduate students.

Applying as an Undocumented Student

Undocumented students should apply to Oregon State University using the domestic student application and select “non-US Citizen” for their citizenship status. If the student has been assigned a social security number through DACA they can use it for their social security number on the application otherwise the student can use all nine’s (999999999) to complete the application.

Incoming freshman/first year students are required to submit an official high school transcripts in order for their application to be considered complete and processed. Along with these materials, undocumented students must submit a tuition equity affidavit or tuition equity statement. Students who opted to send an ACT or SAT score will also need to submit official scores from the testing agency.

**OSU is a test-optional admissions process

Transfer students are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges they have attended. Along with these materials, undocumented students must submit a tuition equity affidavit or tuition equity statement.

Degree Partnership Program

The Degree Partnership Program (DPP), previously named "Dual Enrollment", is a program that allows students to be jointly admitted and enrolled at Oregon State University and any community college partner. The program is open to all undergraduate students pursuing their bachelor's degree, including international students. International students participating in DPP should work with their OSU transfer advisor and International advisor for guidance in the program. Visit this website for more information about the Degree Partnership Program.

Students who are admitted to Oregon State University through the Degree Partnership Program can receive Oregon Promise while a DPP student. To learn more about using Oregon Promise as a DPP student visit the Degree Partnership Program – Oregon Promise website.

For the full HB 2787- Tuition Equity website visit www.oregonstate.edu/tuitionequity. Para más información y documentos, favor de visitar nuestro sitio web: http://oregonstate.edu/tuitionequity-espanol

HB 2787: What is it?

House Bill 2787 provides  certain students  an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees at Oregon public universities. In summary, OSU may grant in-state tuition for undocumented students who have: attended elementary or secondary/high school in a state or territory of the U.S. for at least five years; studied at an Oregon school for at least the last three years prior to leaving high school; graduated from an Oregon high school or received a GED in Oregon; and show intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Undocumented students who do not meet the criteria for HB 2787 can still apply to Oregon State University but will be assessed as a non-resident student and will be required to pay non-resident (out-of-state) tuition and fees.

What does it mean?

First-time undergraduates (freshmen and transfers) who are admitted to Oregon State University, and meet the requirements of HB 2787, may be assessed in-state tuition rates at Oregon State University.  Please note:  the assessment of in-state tuition rates under HB 2787 does not change a student’s residency status.   

How to apply for HB 2787- Tuition Equity?

Applicants wishing to be considered for in-state tuition rates under HB 2787 should apply using a domestic admissions application and answer the citizenship questions as ‘non-U.S. citizen’ then submit our online Tuition Equity affidavit. Paper Tuition Equity affidavits can be mailed to Oregon State University Office of Admissions or scanned affidavits can be emailed to an OSU Admissions Advisor or to residency@oregonstate.edu.

Oregon State University
Office of Admissions
1500 SW Chandler Avenue
Bend, Oregon 97702
admit@osucascades.edu

***The HB 2787 affidavit must be submitted before the admissions application will be considered complete and processed. ***

https://admissions.oregonstate.edu/webform/request-exemption-nonresident-tuition-and-fees 

Please note: This is the process for new admission applicants only. Current OSU students that wish to be considered for in-state tuition under HB 2787 (Tuition Equity) should contact the Admissions Office for details on that process. 

I’m an undocumented student but I don’t meet the HB 2787 requirements. How should I apply?

Students who do not meet the requirements for HB 2787 should apply using the domestic application as a ‘non-U.S. Citizen’ and must submit the Tuition Equity Statement form. The Tuition Equity Statement form must be submitted before the admissions application will be considered complete and processed.

www.oregonstate.edu/hb2787statement

FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Oregon State uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your financial need and eligibility for various programs. Your financial aid award is designed to meet as much of your financial need and eligibility as possible, and is determined by your need level as demonstrated by the FAFSA, and by the availability of funds. Oregon State offers merit-based scholarships, as well as need and non-need based financial aid. For a complete list of federal eligibility requirements, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Undocumented students are not eligible to receive federal aid, grants or loans however DACA students who have been provided with a social security number can fill out FAFSA in order to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Although they can fill out FAFSA and get a SAR these students still cannot access federal aid. Student Aid Reports (SAR) can be used to demonstrate need and can be used to apply for private, state and institutional funding.

OSU-Cascades
Financial Aid
1500 SW Chandler Avenue
Bend, Oregon 97702
financialaid@osucascdes.edu

 

ORSAA - Oregon Student Aid Application

SB 932 (Senate Bill 932) allows eligible students to apply and be considered for the state funded Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) and, if eligible, Oregon Promise.  In order to be qualified for OOG, students need to be Oregon residents or be exempted from paying non-resident tuition (through a program like HB2787 Tuition Equity).  Eligible students can apply using the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). Students can visit the OSAC - Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion website to determine if they are eligible to file for ORSAA.

 

Scholarships

Oregon State University offers a variety of merit based scholarships that are open to all incoming freshman and transfer students, including undocumented students. Students are considered for these awards based on their residency, GPA, and more. To apply for incoming student scholarships, students must complete the scholarships portion of the admissions application and have a complete application (application and transcripts) submitted to the Office of Admissions by the scholarship deadline (February 1st). To learn more about new student scholarships visit, https://scholarships.oregonstate.edu.

After students are admitted to Oregon State, they can submit an additional scholarship application through the OSU ScholarDollars system. Eligibility for scholarships awarded through the Scholar Dollars application varies based on department, student status, GPA, etc. Scholar Dollars also provides an external scholarship search tool to help students explore and apply for more scholarships outside of OSU specific awards. To maximize the number of scholarships students are considered for, they should apply early for admissions and complete the Scholar Dollars application before February 1st. For more information visit, https://scholarships.oregonstate.edu/scholardollars.

Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships offered by organizations outside of OSU.  These awards may be available through non-profit organizations, community based organizations, companies, and more. Websites such as TheDream.US are a good starting point for undocumented students who are exploring scholarship opportunities. Before submitting applications for third-party scholarships, students should check the organization's website of validity and reviews, and check to ensure that the application for the scholarship does not have an application fee. 

Finding the right college fit is an important process when choosing the correct school and nothing beats a visit to campus to picture yourself as an OSU-Cascades student. Take a student-led tour of OSU-Cascades' beautiful campus, check out the residence halls, meet faculty and students, and learn about the academic programs available at OSU-Cascades. Learn more.

OSU-Cascades strives to create a supportive environment so that students can be successful inside and outside of the classroom.

Many of Oregon State’s support resources are made available through student fees. Any student who is paying on-campus student fees, is able to take advantage of these resources for no additional cost. In addition, most student support is available for all OSU-Cascades students. For more information about support and resources at OSU visit, OSU-Cascades Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website.

For more information about resources and support for undocumented and DACA-mented students, visit undocumented.oregonstate.edu.

Educational Opportunities Program (EOP)

Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) provides personal and academic support for students who have traditionally been denied equal access to higher education. Students who participate in EOP have access to a variety of services including: assistance with the application process, assistance locating financial resources, academic and personal counseling, access to specific math, reading and writing courses, support with finding jobs and internships, and much more.

EOP provides support to students of color, students with disabilities, students who are single parents, low-income students, students who have been rurally isolated, undocumented students, veterans, older-than-average students (25+), and first generation students (neither parent graduated from college).

For more information or to apply to EOP, visit https://eop.oregonstate.edu/.

Here to Stay

This student club serves to advocate for the support of DACA students and undocumented immigrants in the United States in policies and programs created on both the large level government scale and the smaller university scale. Here to Stay also provides information about resources that are available to DACA and undocumented students at Oregon State University.

Student Wellness

Student Wellness supports the emotional, social, and physical well-being of students to help them reach their academic and personal goals and make the most of their educational experience. Learn more.