Millersville University

Millersville, PA

Are undocumented students considered international or domestic?: Depends. Typically, they are considered domestic if they attended High School in Pennsylvania and can demonstrate a Pennsylvania high school diploma. If they have a high school diploma from another State, we typically consider them a domestic out-of-state student.
Are you need-blind for undocumented students?: Our merit process changes from year-to-year but all students are treated as admitted students once admitted and go through the same process regardless of legal status.
Are there any restrictions on merit aid for undocumented students at your school?: Yes, we are a federal grant recipient for Migrant Education and sometimes our undocumented students are able to take advantage of federal funding through that program.
Does your school provide merit aid specially for undocumented students?: No, but an undocumented student would be welcome to apply to the same endowed scholarships as US Citizens.
How would their status affect their application?: It wouldn’t.
What other piece of advice would you give an undocumented student hoping for admission at your school?: Going to college as someone without legal status is difficult but is possible.
Other admissions information: Yes, this would be helpful so that we can start strategizing on how best to help the student moving forward. We also understand that putting this in writing can be difficult so a phone call or Zoom session would also be okay.

Are undocumented students eligible for need-based aid?: No, undocumented students are not eligible for Federal or State need-based aid.
If need-based aid is not available, is there a feasible path undocumented students can take to pay for their education with stackable merit scholarships, loans and/or grants from your school?: It would be difficult, but it is possible. Having a plan early on is a must.
What would be the requirements for such scholarships and what would a student's chances of getting them?: This varies by student and by year. It would be best to have the student connect with us directly once they apply.
Other financial aid information: Any of these documents would be fine to send, but they would not help the student secure aid.

Are there organized groups or clubs comprised of or advocating for undocumented students in your school?: We have groups that would advocate but are not specifically chartered to do so. We would also allow the creation of a specific group if the interest arose.
How often does your office receive applications from undocumented students?: Regularly. I typically have 1-2 students who self-identify as undocumented each recruitment cycle and several more who I suspect would identify the same way but choose not to disclose.
Does your school allow Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers onto campus without a warrant?: Double-checking on this with our Chief of Police to be sure
Does the campus police enforce immigration law?: Double-checking on this with our Chief of Police to be sure
Does your school share student immigration status with ICE?: Double-checking on this with our Chief of Police to be sure
Does your school provide distance-learning options for deported students to complete their degrees?: Students would need to work with faculty on making accommodations.
Does your school provide confidential legal support to students with immigration law questions and issues?: Our school does not provide specific confidential legal support services to students, but there are resources in our community like the PBA’s Pro Bono Services here: https://www.pabar.org/site/For-Lawyers/Pro-Bono-Services/Map/Lancaster.