TheDream.US Opportunity Scholarship Opening Soon
Offered by TheDream.US
About This Scholarship
TheDream.US is the nation's largest college access program for undocumented students, and its Opportunity Scholarship targets the hardest cases: students in "locked-out" states that bar undocumented students from in-state tuition or even from admission to public universities. For these students, the scholarship funds a bachelor's degree at a partner college in another state.
The award is among the largest in this guide — up to $100,000 total, covering tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meals at an out-of-state partner college. That comprehensiveness reflects the problem it solves: a student locked out of their home state's universities needs more than tuition help, they need a full relocation package.
Eligibility requires living in and graduating high school in one of 22 locked-out states, undocumented status (with or without DACA or TPS), arrival in the U.S. before November 1, 2020 and before age 16, a 2.5 GPA, and significant unmet financial need. This is a separate program from TheDream.US National Scholarship, which serves students who do have in-state options.
Eligibility
- Undocumented, with or without DACA or TPS; arrived in the U.S. before November 1, 2020, before age 16, with continuous residence since
- Live in and graduated (or will graduate) from high school in one of 22 locked-out states
- Minimum 2.5 GPA in high school (and college, if applicable)
- Significant unmet financial need; students eligible for federal Pell Grants are not eligible
- Willing to enroll full-time in a bachelor's program at an out-of-state partner college
How To Apply
- Apply online at thedream.us when the round opens (opens November 1 annually; closes late January/early February)
- Submit academic records, financial information, and short essays; selections are announced in mid-March
- If selected, work with TheDream.US to enroll at one of its out-of-state partner colleges
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Opportunity Scholarship different from TheDream.US National Scholarship?
The National Scholarship serves students who can attend a partner college with in-state tuition access. The Opportunity Scholarship serves students in 22 states that block in-state tuition or admission for undocumented students, and it funds attendance at an out-of-state partner college — including housing and meals.