Undocumented and DACA Students Information

As an Undocumented and DACA student, you are an important part of our community. We recognize the challenges you face in higher education and understand how important it is that we do not require you to show proof of citizenship to enroll at Oakton. 

Through the Office of Access, Equity and Diversity, Oakton will provide diversity and equity services and resources to support you throughout your college experience. The Caring Closet provides nonperishable food and self-care items, such as soap and deodorant, at no cost to Oakton students who express a need. Our Undocumented and DACA Student Support Group (UDSG) continuously works to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

Apply to Attend Oakton as an Undocumented/DACA Student

Visit, Applying as an Undocumented/DACA Student at Oakton for details! 

  • Using the online application, enter "000-00-000" in the social security field if you don’t have a Social Security number (SSN).
  • If you have a SSN or ITIN, complete the application using that number. 
  • Check “No” for U.S. Citizens. Select “Other” for your citizenship status.
  • Refer to Admission at Oakton for detailed steps.
  • Submit your Proof of Residency (for living or working in Oakton's district)

For more information or to schedule a college visit, call the Office of Admission at 847.635.1700.

Financial Assistance 

An aerial photo of the Oakton Des Plaines campus.We want to help you pay for college. Undocumented and DACAmented students in Illinois are eligible for in-district tuition rates and have access to scholarships. In 2011, through the passage of the Illinois Dream Act, Illinois became the first state to create a private scholarship fund for undocumented and DACAmented students. The Illinois Dream Fund Commission began awarding scholarships in 2013. 

Completing the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires one of the following statuses: NOTE: Without any of the statuses mentioned below, undocumented students should not complete the FAFSA. 

  • U.S. citizenship status or Permanent Resident status  

(Note: U.S. citizens and LPR students are eligible for FAFSA even if their parents are undocumented). 

  •  Eligible non-citizenship status as determined through G-845 
  •  Conditional Resident status 
  •  Granted Asylum/Refugee status 
  •  Cuban-Haitian Entrant status 
  •  Conditional Entrant status 
  •  Battered Immigrant – qualified alien status (VAWA)

Scholarships

Regardless of citizenship status, we encourage all students to apply for scholarships. The Financial Assistance office manages a large portfolio of scholarships, many of which are provided through the generosity of donors to the Oakton Educational Foundation. Criteria for each scholarship varies and has been established by the sponsor. Examples of scholarship criteria include: residency, enrollment status (e.g., full-time: 12 or more hours; part-time: 6-11 hours), academic achievement, grade point average, earned college credit, or pursuit of particular college majors. For more information, visit Oakton Scholarships, email the Enrollment Center at enrollmentcenter@oakton.edu or call 847.635.1700.

More College Resources

Advising 

The Office of Advising, Transitions, and Student Success (OATSS) is dedicated to helping you identify your educational needs so you may achieve your academic goals. Services include:

  • Course selection recommendations and schedule planning
  • Academic progress support and monitoring
  • Certificate, degree completion and transfer planning

For additional information, visit Advising at Oakton, email Advising Services at advising@oakton.edu or call 847.635.1700.

Transferring Foreign Credits to Oakton

Students who have earned college credits at a foreign college or university may be eligible to transfer those credits to Oakton. 


For more information, visit Transferring Foreign Credits to Oakton.

Caring Closet

The Caring Closet supplies nonperishable food and self-care items, such as soap and deodorant, at no cost to Oakton students who express a need.

For more information, visit Caring Closet or email care@oakton.edu.