Undocumented Students

Bunker Hill Community College welcomes applications from all immigrant students, regardless of immigration status. This includes undocumented students, students with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), students who are asylum seekers and any student with a temporary immigration status. For any questions, we encourage students to connect with our Director of Immigrant Student Support Services, Renata Mauriz via email at renata.mauriz@bhcc.edu.

Visit the Apply Now page.

In-State Tuition

There are multiple pathways through which a student can establish eligibility for in-state tuition rates and fees at public institutions of higher education in Massachusetts. The primary and traditional pathway has been through the student establishing that they are a U.S. citizen, lawful immigrant, or permanent resident of the United States and has resided in the United States for more than 6 months.

Effective July 1, 2023, Massachusetts created a Tuition Equity Law, which expanded access to the in-state tuition rate, as well as to state financial aid for undocumented students.

If you are an undocumented, non-U.S. citizen who has attended high school in Massachusetts for at least three years and earned a diploma (or the equivalent, such as a GED/ HiSet) in Massachusetts, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates at public higher education institutions in the Commonwealth, as well as state financial aid.

Paying for College

Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid and should not fill out the FAFSA. All BHCC scholarships are open to undocumented students and do not require a social security number.

Additionally, undocumented students who are eligible for the new Tuition Equity law will be considered for state financial aid and will need to fill out a state-aid alternative form that is currently under development by the state. More information is to come. We encourage you to review the BHCC Payment Plan and apply for BHCC scholarships.

As a DACA student, you are eligible for tuition credit if you’ve received the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship.

Beginning Fall 2023, the City of Boston expanded eligibility for the Tuition Free Community College (TFCC) Plan to include all Boston residents regardless of age, income, or immigration status. Current and prospective students who are undocumented, have DACA or TPS may be eligible if they meet all other eligibility requirements.

TFCC funds are first come, first serve. Funds for the 2023-2024 academic year have been awarded.