Tip Sheet for Undocumented Students: The National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) has compiled common questions undocumented students have with the financial aid process and receiving funds for their education. This tip sheet answers how to be eligible, where to find scholarships, and much more. 

Financial Aid and Undocumented Students: This handout Federal Student Aid provides information and guidance for undocumented students and the financial aid process. Understand how students are eligible for financial aid and what it takes to complete the FAFSA.

Swarthmore College one of the nation’s top liberal arts and engineering colleges and would love to partner with you in promoting college access and affordability. Discover Swarthmore, was designed to level the playing field for students who may not be able to visit our campus in person without financial assistance, or have other obstacles on their path to college.

What is a fly-in program, and why should you nominate students?
Rising high school seniors stay on a college campus for a few days and get a taste of the college experience — meeting current students and professors, eating in the dining hall, and spending a few nights in college dorms with student hosts — with all expenses paid by Swarthmore. 

Not only do students get a glimpse of college life, but they also gain valuable information about college admissions and financial aid from experts. Fly-in programs are also a helpful way to see if a specific college is the right fit for them.

Discover Swarthmore Nomination and Selection Criteria
While the Fall 2022 program dates have not yet been finalized, we typically offer two Discover Swarthmore programs, in mid-September and late October, to give students maximum flexibility. Last fall, our week-long virtual program took place during the last week of September.

During our review, the selection committee prioritizes applications from students who are:

• Underrepresented students in higher education (Black, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern and North African, Native Hawaiian, and Native and Indigenous American)
• First generation in their family to attend college
• Low-income students (Pell-eligible, free/reduced lunch, etc.), and students who might not otherwise be able to afford a trip to campus
• Rural and small town students
• Undocumented and DACA-eligible students