Undocumented

Undocumented Admissions

USAO is is steadfast in its dedication to serve all students regardless of background. Below you will find answers about undocumented student admission to USAO and financial resources to help assist with the cost of higher education. We pride ourselves on helping all students who are dedicating to the pursuit of higher education and joining the USAO family.

Who is an undocumented student?

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.

USAO 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 USAO applicants.

USAO Application

Oklahoma Laws

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).

Affidavit of Intent

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).

How to Apply as an Undocumented Student

USAO welcomes all undergraduate 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 applicants. The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma Application for Admission allows undocumented students to self-identify and be assisted correctly.

Apply Online

Aid for Undocumented Students

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.

Financial Aid for 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

Oklahoma Tuition and Grant (OTAG) Awards

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

Requirements for OTAG:

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.

OTAG FAQ