^WSU _{Undocumented Students}

Undocumented Students

We believe in you

As a land-grant-institution, we continue to proudly subscribe to the overarching principle upon which land grants were created 157 years ago: namely, that higher education should be accessible to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.

Put more simply, undocumented applicants to WSU—with or without DACA—will be considered for admission on the same basis as a U.S. citizen or any other applicant.

Read the full statement of support.

– President Kirk Schulz and WSU leaders

Jump to Section: Application | Financial Aid | Campus Contacts

Apply to WSU

We want you at Washington State University

Undocumented and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students are encouraged to apply for admission to Washington State University using the standard process—with just a few specific instructions below.

As an undocumented student:

Citizenship or financial status will not affect your admission to WSU.
You are not considered an international applicant.

Students who are applying to WSU with a valid, temporary, educational visa. International students are not immigrants (permanent resident with an I-51 or Green Card), undocumented immigrants, or refugees.
If only certain members of your family are documented, please contact us so we can help you with the application.

6 Campuses Across the State

WSU offers six campuses across the state to fit your needs based on geographical location and field of study preference. Check out each location at choose.wsu.edu to determine which campus you’d like to apply to. Once you settled on campus, there are a number of resources available across the campuses for undocumented students enrolled at WSU. Learn more about services and events available to our undocumented student population.

Important Instructions

Important instructions for the “Citizenship” section of the admission application, when asked:

Are you a U.S. citizen?
Select No
Are you a permanent resident?
Select No

Once you finish the “Citizenship” section, continue your application as you normally would.

Financial Aid

We are here for you

We can help you figure out how to pay for your education. Student Financial Services has many resources specifically for you as an undocumented student.

In-State Tuition Rates

If you have lived in the state of Washington for at least three years and earned a diploma or GED from a Washington state high school, you may qualify for in-state tuition rates under state law HB 1079.

Please note that HB-1079 does not change a student’s legal citizenship status.

Students with DACA status—expired or unexpired—who have lived in Washington state for at least one year (for reasons other than education) prior to enrolling in college are also eligible for in-state tuition rates.

If you are an undocumented student who qualifies for HB 1079, one of the most important steps is to complete a WASFA every year. This application will enable you to be considered for the Washington College Grant and for aid awarded by WSU. The WASFA also includes your Washington State Higher Education Residency Affidavit. You can submit the WASFA application anytime during the application process.

A new WASFA opens each year on October 1. Please make sure you complete the form for the correct year. If you have questions about WASFA, please email a WSU representative at sfs.wasfa@wsu.edu.

Financial Aid Resources for Undocumented Students

What is HB 1079?
HB 1079 allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition at state colleges and universities if they meet certain guidelines.

Who is eligible for HB 1079?
Students may be eligible to pay in-state tuition rates if they meet all of the following three criteria:

Received a diploma from a Washington high school or the equivalent of a diploma in Washington state.
Lived in Washington for at least three calendar years (not school years) prior to receiving a diploma or its equivalent.
Resided continuously in Washington since receiving the high school diploma or its equivalent.

Does being an undocumented applicant affect my chances of being admitted to Washington State University?
No. Admissions consideration for undocumented applicants is the same as those for all students.