DePaul DREAM Statement
At DePaul University we affirm the dignity of the individual. We value diversity and culture because these are part of our core values and traditions as a Catholic, Vincentian, and urban university. DePaul University has decided to take a strong and public stand for supporting undocumented students, and DREAM Act legislation. We believe supporting undocumented students is smart policy that will yield significant benefits for our university, city, state, and nation. We also know these young people who enter our doors are part of the next great generation who will build our collective future. It is for this reason that DePaul admits students regardless of their citizenship status. Because we welcome these students, it is incumbent upon all members of the DePaul community to understand DePaul’s position on assisting undocumented students, realize the value that they bring to our university, and support their success as we support all of our students.
DePaul University takes a strong and public stance in support of Undocumented students in line with its core values and traditions as a Catholic, Vincentian, and urban university. As part of our commitment to serve those that identify as Undocumented or DACAmented, we provide next steps, information, and resources including financial support, campus referrals, legal protections, mental wellness, advocacy, and more for current undocumented and DACAmeneted students.
This page should serve as a guide for support and resources that students and allies can find at DePaul. We also list external resources in the Chicago land community and beyond for continued support and success.
Office Locations:
Office of Multicultural Student Success
Lincoln Park Student Center
2250 N Sheffield Ave., Suite 105
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Cultural & Resource Centers
O’Connell Hall
1036 W. Belden Ave. (enter on 2320 N. Kenmore) - 3rd Floor
Room 356
Hours: by appointment
Undocumented Student Staff Contact/Support
Please feel free to schedule an in person meeting or over the phone conversation. We want to ensure that students feel welcomed and honored in whatever identity they hold.
Financial Support for Undocumented Students
Undocumented students are not eligible to receive federal financial aid, but there are other opportunities listed below to finance your education.
DePaul University Student Government Association (SGA) in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Student Success (OMSS), and the Division of Mission and Ministry (DMM) presents a scholarship* opportunity for immigrant students. Students will be selected based on financial need, academic performance, extracurricular activities and community service.
Apply for the 2023-2024 Monarch Butterfly Scholarship online with your DePaul BlueKey login
Eligibility Criteria for Undergraduate Students:
- Be an immigrant student who graduated with a high school diploma from the U.S and having attended at least 3 years of high school in the U.S.
- Be a full time enrolled undergraduate student with sophomore, junior or senior standing. (Incoming freshmen not eligible)
- OR Transfer student having earned 44 minimum credits with sophomore standing (no more than 60 credits)
- OR Transfer student having earned 44 minimum credits with sophomore standing (no more than 60 credits).
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above (on a 4.0 scale)
- Illinois residents: Complete the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid
- Non-Illinois residents: Submit the Institutional Need Assessment Form from the DePaul Office of Financial Aid
Undergraduate Monarch Butterfly Scholarship Program Requirements:
Upon selected, awardness must:
- Maintain full time enrollment
- Complete OMSS Scholarship program requirements (meetings and/or events)
- Complete mandatory community service hours
- Individual check-ins with support staff
- Maintain a 2.5 quarterly and/or cumulative GPA
Scholarship Terms for Undergraduates:
Undergraduate awardees may complete one academic program/degree at DePaul University and are not eligible for a second program/degree. Scholarship applicable to tuition and fees only.
Download our Undergraduate Student Monarch Scholarship flyer for more information
Eligibility Criteria for Graduate Students:
- Be an immigrant student who graduated with a high school diploma from the U.S.
- Having attended at least 3 years of high school and obtained a baccalaureate degree in the U.S.
- Be a full time enrolled graduate student
- Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Submit the Institutional Need Assessment Form from the DePaul Office of Financial Aid.
- Previous recipients of Monarch Butterfly scholarship as undergrads not eligible
Scholarship Terms for Graduate Students:
- Awardees may complete one academic program/degree at DePaul University and are not eligible for a second program/degree.
- Scholarship applicable to tuition and fees only.
Download our Graduate Student Monarch Scholarship flyer for more information
While undocumented students are not eligible for federal or state funds/grants, there are other to finance an education. Below you will find a list of scholarship opportunities outside of DePaul that can aid in your academic journey. Note: for the most accurate and up to date information for these scholarships and amounts please visit main websites of the organizations listed below.
The Retention of Illinois Students & Equity (RISE) Act allows eligible undocumented students and transgender students who are disqualified from federal financial aid to apply for all forms of state financial aid. The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provides a pathway for these qualified students to apply for Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants, the state's largest need-based grant program for low-income college students.
For more information and helpful FAQs, click on the link above.
Key Programs, Services and Resources
Since the legal and political statuses of DACA and undocumented persons remain so fluid, students are encouraged to consult with independent resources – especially immigration attorneys before making any decisions. Below you will find legal resources on campus.
The DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic can assist students and their families and have engaged DePaul College of Law alumni to provide one-on-one consultations for DACA and undocumented students. For appointments, students can contact depaullegalclinic@depaul.edu
Disclaimer:
The information, materials, and resources presented on this site are for general informational, and educational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. If you have questions in regards to immigration policies, statues, and processes please direct them to a licensed immigrant attorney. Information on this webpage are subject to change at any time. Updates will be provided from time to time but due to the ever-changing landscape of policy changes faculty, staff, and students should continue to seek updates concerning the topics covered on this page on their own.