The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) estimates that over 1.3 million U.S. residents are currently eligible to participate in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA). As the cost to pay for college continues to rise, for many DACA-eligible students, going to college may seem out of reach.
One common challenge is that undocumented students, including DACA students, are not eligible for federal student aid. On top of this, many states don’t allow DACA students to claim in-state tuition, and while there are scholarships specific for DACA students, they may be harder to come by.
Fortunately, Ascent offers scholarships and student loans for undergraduate and graduate DACA students.
DACA students are eligible to apply as a solo borrower or as a borrower with a qualified cosigner.
Ascent helps you cover up to 100% of your cost of attendance and other school-related expenses (up to $200,000 for undergraduate loans and $400,000 for graduate loans*) at over 2,200 colleges nationwide by offering DACA student loans for undergraduate and graduate students.
*The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s year in school, credit history, certified cost of attendance, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information
For students with a creditworthy cosigner. (For U.S. citizens, DACA & international students)
For juniors & seniors with a 2.9+ GPA & no credit score**
**NOTE: No score means insufficient credit history to produce a score. If you have a score it must meet a minimum score requirements.
For graduate students pursuing their MD, DO, DVM, VMD, or DPM with or without a cosigner.
For graduate students pursuing their DMD or DDS with or without a cosigner.
For graduate students pursuing their JD or LLM with or without a cosigner.
For graduate students pursuing their MA, MS, PhD, or other graduate school programs with or without a cosigner.
*The final amount approved depends on the borrower’s credit history, verifiable cost of attendance, and is subject to credit approval and verification of application information. Rates displayed above are effective as of 03/01/2023 and reflect an Automatic Payment Discount of 0.25% for credit-based loans and a 1.00% discount on outcomes-based loans when you enroll in automatic payments. For more information, see repayment examples or review the Ascent Student Loans Terms and Conditions.
Lowest APRs require interest-only payments, the shortest loan term, and a cosigner, and are only available to our most creditworthy applicants and cosigners with the highest average credit scores.
You’ve already put a lot of work into preparing for school.
We ask you to provide important information such as your name, address, date of birth, the school you’re applying to, and employment information. If you’re applying with a cosigner, they’ll also enter their information.
Once your completed loan application is approved, you’ll be able to view your repayment options and select the loan terms that work best for you.
After you choose your loan terms and accept your disclosures, your Ascent Portal will be populated with tasks to complete. These tasks include a financial wellness quiz and providing us with any additional information we need to prepare your loan.
When your portal tasks are complete, we send your loan for school certification. Once certified, we’ll disburse your loan directly to your school.
See your rates today without impacting your credit score.
Apply NowAscent provides more opportunities for students and their families to qualify for student loans with a cosigner or student loans without a cosigner, as well as these additional benefits:
Check your rate without impacting your credit score.
One of the most common loans for DACA students are private student loans.
Private loans for DACA students can be secured from certain banks and private lenders. Not all lenders provide loans for DACA students like Ascent. Our mission is to empower underserved students from all backgrounds to take control of their education, including providing more opportunities to qualify for a loan.
Ascent offers Cosigned and Non-Cosigned Credit-Based Loans to both undergraduate student loans and graduate student loans to DACA students.
- Forbes Advisor
Best Private Student Loan 2021
- BadCredit.org
Editor’s Choice™ Award 2021
Anjellica C.
Northern Arizona University
Rnajee M.
Mississippi State University
Grace G.
Simmons College
Our customer service team is here to help. You can reach us via phone at 877-216-0876, email us at [email protected], or take a look at our top FAQs for DACA students below.
Students with DACA status that do not qualify for an Outcomes-Based Loan or Credit-Based Loan on their own may also apply with a creditworthy cosigner that is a U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident.
Your cosigner must:
Checking your rate will not impact your credit score.
For students seeking their undergraduate or graduate degree from a university or college.
For students attending a coding bootcamp school pursuing a degree in technology, professional training, or licensure training.
