Admission & Financial Aid Information for Undocumented Students

Amherst seeks to enroll an intellectually talented and diverse student body and therefore welcomes first-year and transfer applications from all interested students – U.S. citizens or non-U.S. citizens, living domestically or abroad, including undocumented students and students granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

Admission  If you are an undocumented or DACA student, you should follow the same first-year or transfer application process as any other student.  Amherst is one of the few colleges in the United States following a need-blind admission policy for all candidates, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. So that we may evaluate your application within the most accurate context, we encourage you to share relevant information about your unique circumstances with us.

Financial Aid  Amherst is committed to meeting 100% of the full demonstrated financial need of every admitted student, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.  Our financial aid packages for non-U.S. citizens include on-campus employment and institutional grant aid, without loan. In circumstances where students are unable to fulfill work expectations, Amherst may replace the employment contribution with loan.  To apply for financial aid, undocumented and DACA students must submit the College Board PROFILE and federal tax returns or income verification, as requested by our Office of Financial Aid. Please consult the Amherst College Financial Aid website for additional information on applying for financial aid.

At Amherst  Amherst offers a number of resources to support the success of undocumented and DACA-holding students enrolled at the college:

• The Office of Immigration Services provides guidance and resources for students seeking legal counsel regarding their immigration status, and works in collaboration with the Multicultural Resource Center to support students in fragile immigration statuses.

• The Offices of Immigration Services and Global Education Office work together to support undocumented and DACA-holding students interested in domestic exchange study options at other educational institutions within the U.S. and/or study away opportunities outside the U.S. (including assistance with the Advance Parole application process).

• Our Career Center, Office of Student Affairs, and Dean of Faculty Office offer stipends for students who apply and qualify for a select number of non-employment-based research opportunities and summer internships.

Please feel free to contact the Amherst College Office of Admission by email at admission@amherst.edu or by phone at (413) 542-2328, if you have additional questions.