As undocumented students are ineligible for federal financial aid, many individuals have questions about how they can pay to attend the University of Illinois. Scholarship opportunities may be available through specific departments and registered student organizations. Immigrant Student Support works with campus units to identify ways to provide scholarship opportunities that are accessible for undocumented students. Additionally, students with work permits may apply for student employment opportunities to help offset the costs of college. Below are additional financial assistance opportunities.
HOPE Scholarship
The Helping Others’ Personal Excellence (HOPE) Scholarship is a student-initiated fee that provides funds for students who demonstrate financial need yet do not otherwise qualify for financial aid. Illinois Student Government and the Illinois Coalition Assisting Undocumented Students’ Education (I-CAUSE) created and implemented this scholarship in 2020. This scholarship fund—a commitment by students, for students—is intended to help alleviate some of the burdens that come with attaining higher education. Applications are due in spring for the next fall/spring academic year.
ISAC Alternative Application
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allowed eligible undocumented students to apply for all forms of state financial aid. On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruled that the current version of the RISE Act, as applied to undocumented students, is unlawful. Following the court’s ruling, the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) announced that it cannot provide state financial assistance to undocumented students under the current version of the RISE Act during the 2026-2027 school year and has closed the 2026-2027 Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid. To learn more about the current status of the ISAC Alternative Application, visit the ISAC Student and Family FAQ about the Alternative Application page.