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Undergraduate Admission

Undocumented Applicants

» Undocumented Applicants

As an institution that strives to create an inclusive community, Chapman welcomes and embraces all students regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. 

Our mission provides a personalized education that leads to inquiring, ethical and productive lives as global citizens. We attract students, staff, and faculty from around the world and strongly value all that they bring to our community.

Therefore, we encourage all students that are ready to commit to higher learning to apply, regardless of immigration status or financial situation.

Chapman’s Commitment to DACA and undocumented students

president-daniele-struppa-1.jpegThe following is an excerpt from a message from Chapman University President Daniele Struppa to the Chapman community. It was sent following the decision in October 2022 to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) regulations.

“As many of you know, I am a strong supporter and advocate for our undocumented students and am encouraged that steps are being taken to strengthen DACA. We have a long-standing institutional commitment to support the valued members of our Chapman community who are DACA recipients or undocumented students, and we will continue to focus on their well-being.”


Applying for admission

All information submitted on an application for admission to Chapman is treated as confidential. Both Undocumented and DACA students should feel comfortable providing as much accurate information as possible in order to help our office understand their status.

Reporting your citizenship status on your application

In order to accurately represent your citizenship status please complete the following steps when filling out the “Citizenship” section of your application:

  1. Select your birth country/region/territory.
  2. Write in your city of birth.
  3. Select the number of years you have lived in the United States.
  4. Select your citizenship status “DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status".
Valeria Delgado '24
DACA student
Valeria went from rubbing shoulders with members of Congress at the State of the Union to catching up on her coursework in a span of a few days. As a health sciences major and DACA recipient, she hopes her story encourages more people to support DACA.

Financing your educationstudents-in-class-1.jpg

We review all domestic students, including undocumented and DACA students, under the same need-blind policy.

Although undocumented students are not eligible to apply for federal aid, they are still eligible for Chapman awards, including merit-based scholarships, department aid, and limited need-based aid. 

Undocumented and DACA students that reside in California may qualify to receive California Grant via the CA DREAM Act.

California Dream Act

The California Dream Act Application is used by undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of California Assembly Bill 540 and come from a lower-income household or qualify for need-based aid.

Any aid received can be used at eligible California public or private institutions. As you consider colleges, we encourage you to also apply for the California Dream Act.

Key California Dream Act Dates 

October 1: Cal Grant GPA submission begins


March 2: Priority financial-aid deadline for most colleges/universities; also deadline for Cal Grant application
(CA Dream Act Application + GPA).
  • If you or your school submits your certified GPA using your DACA SSN, include that DACA SSN on question #8 of your CA Dream Act application.
  • Better yet, submit a Non-SSN GPA to the CA Student Aid Commission. 

California Dream Act Application Process and Eligibility

To apply, you must submit the following by March 2, 2025:

  • 2024-2025 California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
  • Cal Grant GPA verification forms

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Outside scholarships

Immigrants Rising has compiled a list of outside scholarships that do not require proof of citizenship. The list is updated regularly with application deadlines and scholarship amounts. We strongly encourage all undocumented students with financial need to apply.

For additional scholarship options, you can also refer to the Department of Education Resource Guide: pages 38-42. 

 

Net Price Calculator

Use our Net Price Calculator to get a personalized estimate on the cost of attending Chapman as an undocumented student.


Study abroad and away opportunities

Chapman promotes domestic educational opportunities for DACA recipients and students without legal documentation. 

For more information regarding potential travel opportunities, visit the DACA & Undocumented Students Abroad page.

Frequently Asked Questions about Undocumented Students

If you can not find the answer to your question below, feel free to contact us at admit@chapman.edu or (714) 997-6711.

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Contact Admission


Email us:

Call us: (714) 997-6711

Text us: (714) 942-5474

Send your documents:
Chapman University
Attn: Office of Admission
One University Drive 
Orange, CA 92866

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