Graduate School
Things to Consider
There are a number of resources available to help Dreamers pursue graduate education, including loan programs, scholarships, and fellowship opportunities:
- Dreamers Graduate Loan Program (below) is A private loan program run by Social Finance that provides loans to DACA or TPS status graduate students. Loans are based on the federal government’s Direct PLUS loan program, and there are no cosigner or minimum credit score requirements. Students also receive free financial coaching and support throughout the loan process. However, borrowers are responsible for repaying the loan in full, plus any interest, according to the terms of their promissory note.
- TheDream.US Graduate Scholarship: Alumni of TheDream.US can apply for a graduate scholarship after taking out a loan. The scholarship ranges from $5,000–$10,000, and the university will direct any excess money back to the loan company to reduce the original loan amount.
- Immigrants Rising: They provide a list of graduate fellowships for undocumented graduate and post-graduate students.
Other resources for Dreamers include:
- Presidents’ Alliance: Undocumented Graduate Students Initiative.
- LinkedIn Alumni search tool: This tool can help Dreamers connect with alumni in their field of interest to learn about opportunities.
Graduate School Checklist for Dreamer Undocumented Students
- Assess Your Career Goals
- Do you need a graduate degree for your chosen career?
- Will the degree significantly impact your job prospects and salary?
- Can your career goals be achieved through work experience, certifications, or other means?
- Research Graduate Programs
- Identify programs that align with your goals.
- Check if they offer support or scholarships for undocumented students.
- Consider schools with a strong network in your desired field.
- Evaluate the Financial Impact
- Can you afford graduate school without going into significant debt?
- What scholarships or financial aid options are available to you?
- If scholarships aren’t available, do you fully understand the implications of taking on loans?
- Are you prepared for the possibility of limited loan options due to your undocumented status?
- Understand the Loan Process
- Are you aware of the different types of loans available, including private loans?
- Do you understand the terms, interest rates, and repayment obligations of any loans you’re considering?
- Consider if you’ll be able to comfortably repay the loans based on expected earnings after graduation.
- Consider the Return on Investment (ROI)
- Calculate the potential increase in earnings with a graduate degree versus the cost of obtaining it.
- Is the degree likely to lead to a significant improvement in your financial situation?
- Explore Alternative Paths
- Could work experience, internships, or certifications help you achieve your goals without a graduate degree?
- Are there other ways to advance in your career, such as networking, mentorship, or skill-building courses?
- Seek Advice and Support
- Talk to professionals in your field about the necessity of a graduate degree.
- Seek guidance from mentors, advisors, or organizations that support Dreamers.
- Connect with current or former undocumented graduate students to hear about their experiences.
- Plan for the Future
- Consider your long-term plans and how a graduate degree fits into them.
- Think about the stability and security of your legal status and how it might impact your education and career.
- Reflect on Your Readiness
- Are you mentally and emotionally prepared for the demands of graduate school?
- Do you have a strong support system in place?
- Are you committed to the time and effort required to complete a graduate program?
Note: The Graduate Loan Scholarship info has been moved. Please see here.
Dreamers Graduate Loan Program
Working with Social Finance, a national non-profit organization, TheDream.US provided guidance in the creation of a graduate school loan program for undocumented graduate students with DACA or TPS who want to pursue a graduate degree. Social Finance is the fund manager and Funding U, an education lending platform, is processing the applications and originating the loans.
The program is open to scholarship recipients of TheDream.US, Golden Door Scholars, and Equal Chance for Education and other college graduates with DACA or TPS.
This student-centric loan program is designed to provide financial and educational support, ensuring Dreamers attending graduate degree programs only take on manageable debt to achieve their career aspirations. Additional information on the program can be found here.
Important Disclaimer: The Dreamers Graduate Loan Program is neither managed nor guaranteed by TheDream.US. Scholars who are approved for and take out a loan through the Dreamers Graduate Loan Program are solely responsible for the repayment of the loan. The Dreamers Graduate Loan Program is a private student loan program, which means that Scholars are obligated to repay the loan in full, including any interest accrued, according to the terms and conditions outlined in their Promissory Note at the time of signing. TheDream.US bears no responsibility for Scholars who fail to stay current on loan(s) taken out under the Loan Program or who fail to fulfill their repayment obligations under the Promissory Note through the Dreamers Graduate Loan Program.
The loan application for the 2024-2025 academic year is now closed.