STATES A-C
ALABAMA
Alabama does not offer alternative financial aid or in‑state tuition for asylum seekers. Students must pay out‑of‑state tuition at public colleges. However, asylum seekers can still access private scholarships, national programs, and local immigrant‑support organizations that do not require FAFSA.
Helpful resources
Fiesta Scholarship
A scholarship program connected to the Fiesta Birmingham cultural organization.
ALASKA
Alaska allows students regardless of immigration status to access state financial aid if they meet academic or residency requirements.
Helpful resources
Alaska Education Grant (AEG)
A need‑based grant for low‑income students.
Immigration status is not required.
Alaska Performance Scholarship (APS)
A merit‑based scholarship for Alaska high school graduates.
Immigration status is not required.
In‑State Tuition (Available)
Alaska allows students to receive in‑state tuition if they:
• Attended an Alaska high school for 3 years, and
• Graduated from an Alaska high school
This applies to asylum seekers.
State Support Services
Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education (ACPE)
Provides statewide support including:
• Financial aid guidance
• Scholarship information
• College planning
• FAFSA help for mixed‑status families
ARIZONA
Arizona does have official state education resources such as AZ529, STRF, and university‑administered state programs.
Helpful resources
AZ529 — Arizona’s Education Savings Plan
A state‑managed college savings program open to everyone.
STRF — Student Tuition Recovery Fund
Helps students if a private postsecondary school closes or fails to provide services.
ARKANSAS
Arkansas does not offer alternative financial aid for students who cannot file FAFSA.
There are no state grants or scholarships available to asylum seekers with pending cases.
They does not provide in‑state tuition for immigrant or asylum‑seeking students.
CALIFORNIA
California is one of the most supportive states for asylum‑seeking students.
Asylum seekers can get in‑state tuition through AB 540.
California also offers strong state grants and college‑support programs that help students pay for school even if they cannot access federal aid yet.
Helpful resources
CADAA — California Dream Act Application
Asylum seekers can apply for state financial aid without FAFSA using the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
Helps students pay tuition at CSU and UC.
AB 540 asylum‑seeking students can apply through CADAA.
COLORADO
Asylum seekers can receive in‑state tuition through the ASSET law and can apply for state financial aid without FAFSA using CASFA, Colorado’s alternative financial aid application.
Colorado also offers strong state programs that help students reduce college costs even if they cannot access federal aid yet.
Helpful resources
CASFA — Colorado Application for State Financial Aid
Colorado’s alternative to FAFSA.
Asylum seekers can apply for state grants, college aid, and institutional scholarships through CASFA.
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC)
Supports immigrant and asylum‑seeking students with:
• Education resources
• Legal help
• Community programs
• College navigation support
CONNECTICUT
