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Undocumented Admission

Undocumented Admissions

Aspiring Americans Banquet

Welcome to the Undocumented Admissions webpage. The information below will answer your questions about admissions and will provide you details about financial resources. In OU's Office of Admissions and Recruitment, we do our best to find the resources to better serve undocumented and DACA students as they are students who work hard to pursue their education and become members of the OU Family.

How to Apply as an Undocumented Student

The University of Oklahoma welcomes all undergraduate and graduate applicants regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students, with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, should follow the same application procedure as all other OU applicants. Click here to view how to complete the citizenship portion of each application.

Apply Using the OU App

The University of Oklahoma Undergraduate Application for Admission allows undocumented students to self-identify and be processed correctly.

Apply Using the Common App

The Common Application, also used for freshman admissions at the University of Oklahoma, does not have an option for students to list themselves as “undocumented" however, applications will be routed to the appropriate admissions counselor based on the questions answered in the application.

Apply Using the Coalition with Scoir App

The Coalition with Scoir Application, also used for freshman admissions at the University of Oklahoma, does not have an option for students to list themselves as “undocumented" however, applications will be routed to the appropriate admissions counselor based on the questions answered in the application.

Graduate Students

The University of Oklahoma Graduate Application for Admission does not have an option for students to list themselves as “undocumented.” Students should complete the regular online application, list themselves as citizens or permanent residents and then contact the office to change their citizenship status to the proper status.

Students with Undocumented Parents

Students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents with undocumented parents, will be able to apply to their FAFSA regularly until they have to sign the parent signature page. They will not be able to sign electronically and will need to PRINT out the signature page and mail it to FAFSA.

The hard copy should be signed and mailed to:

Federal Student Aid Programs
PO Box 7652
London, KY 40742-7652

Frequently Asked Questions

Typically, undocumented immigrants have entered the U.S. without inspection or legal permission. Being undocumented can also refer to a person with expired paperwork or a person in deportation proceedings.

Undocumented students are often brought to the U.S. by their parents at very young ages, have completed most of their schooling in this country, and find out about their lack of legal status when they are in high school. Not having a social security number is one potential sign of being undocumented.

Federal law does not prohibit states from providing in-state tuition to undocumented students.  Currently, at least 18 states have provisions allowing for in-state tuition rates for undocumented students.  Sixteen states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Texas, Utah and Washington—extend in-state tuition rates to undocumented students through state legislation. Two states—Oklahoma and Rhode Island—allow in-state tuition rates to undocumented students through Board of Regents decisions.  For further information, please visit the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In 2008, HB 1804 was passed, placing the burden of whether to provide in-state tuition to undocumented students on the Oklahoma Board of Regents (OSRHE Chapter 3, 3.17.6).  Undocumented students still receive in-state tuition if they meet the following requirements:

  • Graduated from public or private high school in Oklahoma
  • Resided in Oklahoma with a parent or guardian while attending classes for at least 2 years prior to high school graduation
  • Secured admission to, and enrolled in, an institution within the Oklahoma state system of higher education; and provided to the institution a copy of a true and correct application or petition filed with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to legalize the student’s status OR filed an Affidavit of Intent (PDF).

According to OK House Bill 1804 undocumented students who graduate from public or private high school in Oklahoma while residing in Oklahoma with a parent or guardian while attending classes for at least 2 years prior to high school graduation may receive in-state tuition by completing the Affidavit of Intent (PDF).

Notary services could be free or come at a charge. Please contact the location prior to visiting in order to verify notary services are available. Services are not available in all locations. 
 
  • The UPS Store Notary Services
  • Banks: US Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Wells Fargo Bank, and other local banks.
  • Public libraries
  • Tax agency and credit unions

Please contact OU Diversity Enrichment Programs if you are unable to find a notary at dep@ou.edu or 405-325-3742.

Undocumented students are not eligible to receive federally funded financial aid, including loans, grants, scholarships, or work study money.  For additional information and frequently asked questions about financial aid and undocumented students go to Federal Student Aid: An Office of the U.S. Department of Education

Undocumented students who provide the institution a copy of a true and correct application or petition filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to legalize their immigration status, may be eligible for state and university scholarships.

CollegeBoard identifies three main areas where undocumented students may have special concerns or obstacles:  admission, tuition and financial aid. Read the full article.

The University of Oklahoma welcomes all undergraduate and graduate applicants regardless of citizenship status. Undocumented students, with or without Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, should follow the same application procedure as all other OU applicants.

The University of Oklahoma reviews applications holistically and does not consider financial need as a factor in admission.

The University of Oklahoma provides scholarships through the OU American Dream Scholarship. However, students who apply to OU should be aware that it is important to apply to outside scholarships too. You can view additional scholarships below. 

Donations to the American Dream Scholarship can be made online by clicking below. Donors can search for The American Dream Scholarship in the search field.

Donate Now

Also, undocumented immigrants meeting certain requirements may be considered for Oklahoma Tuition and Grant (OTAG) awards.

Requirements for OTAG are:

  • Have graduated from a public or private high school in Oklahoma.
  • Have resided in Oklahoma with a parent or guardian while attending a public or private high school in Oklahoma for at least two years prior to graduation.
  • Satisfy admission standards for the institution.
  • Have provided to the institution a copy of a true and correct application or petition filed with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to legalize the student's immigration status. 

Learn More

Contact

Contact a Diversity Enrichment Programs Admissions Counselor to answer your admissions questions, or visit our webpage to learn more. 

Alejandro Chacon

Alejandro Chacon

Admissions Counselor

405-325-4108

alejandro.chacon1@ou.edu

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Sharlotte Gramajo

Admissions Counselor

405-325-5452

sharlotte.o.gramajo@ou.edu

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