National Scholarship FAQs
Application
When is the application period?
- Application opens: November 1, 2023
- Application closes: February 29, 2024, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
- Notifications will be emailed by mid-April 2024
What are the academic requirements?
- Be a current high school senior or high school graduate with a GPA of 2.5 or greater (on a 4.0 scale); or
- Be a currently or previously enrolled college or university undergraduate student with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or greater.
What are the immigration eligibility requirements?
- Applicants must be undocumented with or without DACA or TPS and have come to the United States before November 1, 2018, and have continuously lived here since then.
- Applicants must have also come to the United States before the age of 16 (if you were born in the U.S. – you are not eligible for our scholarship).
How do I apply?
To apply, go to: https://www.thedream.us/scholarships/national-scholarship/
How will finalists be selected?
We have a rigorous application review process that includes analysis and scoring of your grades, participation in advanced courses, extracurricular activities including volunteer work and community service, home responsibilities, and your essay. ISTS reviews and scores all complete and eligible applications. Scholarships are allocated across our Partner Colleges and are awarded to the highest scoring applicants to that college. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.
Partner Colleges
Do I have to attend one of the Partner Colleges or can I use the scholarship at any college to which I am admitted?
To receive the scholarship, you must attend a Partner College in your state. You must also be eligible for in-state tuition if the college is a public institution. If you are not sure if you are eligible for in-state tuition, you should consult with the appropriate Partner College to determine their eligibility requirements.
Do I have to apply or be admitted to a Partner College to apply for TheDream.US Scholarship?
You must apply for admission to your Partner College before the February 29, 2024, scholarship deadline. Applying to TheDream.US Scholarship Program does not guarantee admission to the Partner College.
Are there any restrictions on the Partner Colleges that I can choose?
Yes, the restrictions are:
- Georgia
- Cabrini University (located in Philadelphia) – Must attend high school in New Castle County or currently reside in New Castle County.
- Illinois
- Northern Illinois University –
- Our award can only be used at NIU if you are a transfer student from another college.
- Northern Illinois University –
If I transfer to another Partner College, will I lose my National scholarship?
You will not lose your scholarship. The scholarship will still be transferred as long as you are admitted to and attending one of our Partner Colleges in your state and you have met your scholarship commitments.
Note: Some Partner Colleges require TheDream.US prior approval before you can transfer your award.
Scholarship Award
What is the difference between TheDream.US National Scholarship and TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship?
TheDream.US National Scholarship Program is for undocumented students who are eligible for in-state tuition at one of our National Partner Colleges. This scholarship is for up to $16,500 for an associate’s or up to $33,000 for a bachelor’s degree at one of our National Partner Colleges.
TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship Program is for undocumented students who live in targeted locked-out states where they are either required to pay out-of-state tuition or prohibited from enrolling in the state’s colleges and universities altogether. This scholarship is for up to $80,000 in total for a bachelor’s degree at one of our Opportunity Partner Colleges.
What will be the actual amount of my National Scholarship Award?
The amount of your annual award will be based on the cost of tuition and fees based on your enrollment status (i.e., number of credits). We will not reduce the amount of your award by other institutional aid, scholarships, or grants, unless your total financial aid package exceeds the estimated cost of attendance based on your living arrangement (e.g., on campus or off campus). In addition, you may receive an additional amount per year for books, supplies, and transportation. Purdue Global University Scholars are not eligible for this stipend.
If I receive a scholarship for an associate degree, do I have to apply again for a scholarship for my bachelor’s degree?
No. If you have met your academic and service commitments, you may transfer your scholarship to a 4-year Partner College to which you have been accepted. However, you may not receive more than $33,000 (plus the stipend if applicable) in total from TheDream.US, including the scholarship award you received for your associate degree.
Can the National scholarship be applied toward graduate school?
No. You may only use the scholarship funds for an undergraduate associate or bachelor’s degree.
If I receive the National scholarship, do I have to start right away?
No, you have until the Spring term following your receipt of the award to enroll in a Partner College.
What happens if DACA or TPS ends, and I am not able to renew my DACA or TPS authorization?
You will continue to be eligible for the scholarship.
Do I have to reapply each year?
No, but you must renew your scholarship each academic year. You will be asked to confirm your continuing eligibility and provide a copy of your transcript. Note: If you do not renew by the indicated deadline, you will lose your scholarship.
Getting Involved
How can I donate?
Donating to our cause is easy! Simply click our “Donate” link and follow the instructions.
I am a teacher. How can I help?
Reach out as early as possible to all students and encourage them to envision themselves as college material, and if the opportunity arises, let undocumented students know that their immigration status does not prohibit them from attending college.
I am a parent. How can I help?
Let your child know that their immigration status does not prohibit them from going to college. Encourage them to search for scholarships and, if you can, help them complete their scholarship applications. Most importantly, do what you already do: believe in them so they can believe in themselves.