STATES D-I
DELAWARE
Delaware does not offer in‑state tuition or state financial aid to asylum‑seeking students. Students must pay out‑of‑state tuition and rely on private scholarships or national programs.
FLORIDA
Florida does not offer state financial aid or in‑state tuition to asylum seekers.
Students must pay out‑of‑state tuition and rely on private or national scholarships.
GEORGIA
Georgia is one of the strictest states.
Asylum seekers cannot access state financial aid or in‑state tuition.
HAWAII
Hawaii is a supportive state.
Asylum seekers can receive in‑state tuition and institutional aid at public colleges.
State Financial Aid
Hawaii offers institutional aid to students regardless of immigration status.
(Confirmed by NILC’s 2026 state aid list.)
In‑State Tuition
Hawaii allows in‑state tuition for students who meet residency requirements.
(Also confirmed by NILC.)
IDAHO
Idaho does not offer in‑state tuition or state financial aid to asylum seekers.
Students must rely on private scholarships or national programs.
ILLINOIS
Illinois used to be one of the most supportive states, offering in‑state tuition and state financial aid to undocumented and asylum‑seeking students.
However, in July 2026, a federal court ruled these benefits unconstitutional, and Illinois is now prohibited from offering in‑state tuition or state financial aid to students who are not lawfully present.
This ruling takes effect August 7, 2026.
Helpful resources
HOPE Scholarship (University of Illinois System)
For students who do not qualify for financial aid, including asylum seekers.
Covers tuition support at UIUC, UIC, and UIS.
CAUSE Chicago — Scholarship Directory
CAUSE maintains the largest Illinois scholarship list for undocumented and immigrant students.
CPS Dream Fund Scholarship
For Chicago Public Schools seniors regardless of immigration status.
Star Scholarship (City Colleges of Chicago)
Full tuition + books for CPS graduates with a 3.0 GPA.
Open to all immigration statuses.
ILACHE Scholarship (Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education)
$1,000 scholarship for Latino students of any immigration status.
IACAC Scholarship (Illinois Association for College Admission Counseling)
$1,000 scholarship for Illinois students of any immigration status.
INDIANA
Indiana does not provide state financial aid, in‑state tuition, or college support programs for asylum seekers. Students must rely on private scholarships and local immigrant‑support organizations instead.
IOWA
Iowa does not provide state financial aid, in‑state tuition, or college support programs for asylum seekers. Students must rely on private scholarships and local immigrant‑support organizations instead.