Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Admissions / Financial Aid / Financial Aid for Undocumented Students

Students who are neither U.S. citizens nor permanent residents may be eligible for funding from the College, the State of Illinois, and private sources. This page provides links to and details about securing such funding.

In general, undocumented students can receive up to a total of $45,000 per year in combined scholarship and grant funds from the College. Illinois residents may qualify to receive up to $8400 in additional grant funds from the State (see "Funds for Illinois Residents" below).

Applications

Illinois Residents complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid for the correct academic year.

Non-Illinois residents may contact the Office of Financial Aid. There is not a separate application.

Lake Forest Scholarships

Unless noted otherwise, undocumented students are eligible for the scholarships found on our Scholarships Page.

Lake Forest Grant

Grants are similar to scholarships -you do not repay them- but a grant is “need-based” so it considers your family’s resources. To apply, complete the application matching your status and academic year.

Total Lake Forest Funding

Students enrolling for the first time in the Fall of 2025 may receive grant and scholarship funds totaling up to $45,000.

You can expect to receive similar aid each year if your academic performance is consistent with the standards of the College. The amount you need to pay will increase, as tuition and other costs also increase. An annual application is not required.

Funds for Illinois Residents

If you are an undocumented Illinois resident (see definition), you may apply for the following State funds:

Private Grants and Scholarships

The following sites will help you identify scholarship opportunities outside of Lake Forest College.

Work-Study

Work-Study is an opportunity to have a part-time job on campus, and is funded by the College. In most cases the amount offered is up to $2,500 per year, though this is not guaranteed. To qualify, you must: (1) have DACA status, and (2) show financial need (complete the application matching your status), and (3) have an employment authorization document.

Private Student Loans

Loans may be available if you have a credit-worthy co-signor who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. The College is not a lender. View some of the loan options.

Other Resources

Immigrants Rising

My (Un)Documented Life

Illinois DREAM Act Undocumented Student’s Guide to College Scholarship & Resource Guide