Support for DACA and Undocumented Students

Get in Touch

We’re happy to answer questions and assist as you move through the admissions process.

Accepted students should contact Barbara Washington, Associate Director of Student Success, for assistance with creating a strategy for success as a Purchase student.

Prospective students should contact the Admissions Office for questions regarding the application process and any other admissions-related issues.

SUNY Resources

Protocols+Resolutions

The SUNY Protocol for Interacting with External Law Enforcement (2025) has been provided by the SUNY Office of General Counsel.

They SUNY Board of Trustees offered their Affirmation of Support for Undocumented Students resolution in 2017.

Other Resources

Qualifying for In-State Tuition

Undocumented immigrants are welcome to apply to Purchase College and should follow the same steps for admission as any other applicant.

All prospective students, including undocumented students, benefit from a 2002 New York State law that expanded who can qualify for in-state tuition, which allows undocumented students to pay in-state tuition if any of the following applies:

You attended an approved New York State high school for at least two years, graduated from an approved New York State high school, and applied for attendance at SUNY or a community college within five years of receiving a New York State high school diploma, or
You attended an approved New York State program for General Equivalency Diploma preparation, received a General Equivalency Diploma issued within New York State, and applied for attendance at SUNY or a community college within five years of receiving the GED.

In addition, to receive in-state tuition as an undocumented immigrant, you must file an affidavit (a sworn, written statement signed by the applicant) stating that you will apply to legalize your status as soon as you are eligible.

New York Resident Tuition Policy

The residency determination is made based on the high school you graduated from and will be handled by Student Financial Services. If you graduated from a high school in New York State, you should be receiving in-state tuition. If you are not receiving in-state tuition, please review the New York State Residency Policy.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

Undocumented students are ineligible for state (TAP) or federal (Pell) financial aid. However, you may qualify for certain private scholarships, depending on the requirements. You should look into the following opportunities.

List compiled by the Dream Educational Empowerment Program (DEEP), a program of the United We Dream National Network.

Immigrant-Led Organizations

List provided by United We Dream National Network.

PREP Housing (Purchase Residence Extension Program)

PREP housing is an option that provides housing over breaks when the college residential facilities are closed. There is an additional cost associated with all types of PREP housing. You do not need to fill a group roster, you may sign up by space. See the PREP options and locations listed below.

Alumni Village

All spaces in Alumni Village are apartment singles. You can either sign up for full-year PREP (May–May) or academic-year PREP (Aug.–May). You will be assigned an apartment, matching academic-year PREP together and full-year PREP together. We cannot guarantee apartment-mate preferences.

The Olde

There are two types of housing types located within the Olde PREP option. There is a 4-person apartment option (comprised of one double and two single rooms) and also an 8-person duplex apartment option.

Wayback

Wayback is our residence hall PREP option. The PREP housing type located within the Wayback residence hall consists of a 4 person junior suite option. This junior suite includes one double and two single rooms.

In order to indicate your interest in PREP housing, please make sure to indicate this on your housing application. Please also follow up with an email to RSL@purchase.edu.

Students should refer to the Room Rates in order to receive pricing for these options.

Student Success