DACA and Private Universities

I'm not positive if this is where this should be posted or whether something similar has been posted (tried searching).

I am a junior in high school and am starting to look at colleges. I was wondering if most or any private colleges offer some type of financial aid to students with deferred action or whether they will even consider me as a candidate? Though I am in junior year I'm really trying to get some of this figured out so I do not panic come fall when I do early applications to my first choice colleges. I've been considering in-state (UF) but what's holding me back from a public university is that I am not given in-state tuition so I might as well go to a better college out of state. Any advice?

Being illegal is really starting to suck as I get older..

I suggest calling their financial aid office and talking about your situation. Some universities might have the money to fund students in your situations, others may not or may not want to. Most of the Ivies for example give financial aid to undocumented students on a case by case basis, but they are schools that are able to afford to.
If you have a list of universities that are your dream schools, call their financial aid office or their admission office and talk to an officer about your situation. If you are able to visit, even better.. they are usually more sympathetic in person. Calling your university's Latino/Asian/your ethnic group advisor would also help you understand their policy better.

Now that you have your SSN (or assuming you do), you can easily get loans funded by the university (most university loans don't require a cosigner, have low APR, but don't give you all that much). Then, you can also qualify for university scholarships if they aren't so harsh about you being a LPR or USC. But then again, you can also declare yourself as an international student, which you can also get free money for. Privates are not so harsh like state schools about giving money (well depends on your state really). Having a SSN will help you in a lot of ways.

(Most privates will give you some sort of scholarship when you are accepted).

Don't forget private loans from banks. These will usually require a LPR/USC cosigner with good credit, good monthly income (income to debt ratio).

I highly recommend that you read through the NYSYLC's Road to College guide:

http://www.nysylc.org/college-information/

Hope this helps!

Thank you everyone for all this great information!!
I've really been looking at Duke, Columbia, and UM and I'll be sure to inquire at these about how my situation can be handled individually in the coming months. So based on this type of situation do you think private may be a better choice than public in Florida?

Hah, I remember calling Duke yeaaaaaaars back and they were like "No, if you don't have legal status or a visa we will not admit you." I was so sad. But that was over 10 years ago, a lot has changed since then.

There are a number of posters here that went to Florida's public schools so they might have better insight about Florida schools.

I can't speak for the Universities you mentioned. But I haven't had any trouble getting into college...but financial aid is hard to get without an SSN.

I got into NYIT, so looking for some financial aid as well.

OP do as others members have suggested and call the financial aid office. If they don't understand for some reason keep insisting. Also, it would be even better if you can visit in person!

Keep in mind that if you go out of state you will most likely be paying a lot more especially since you'd need to pay room and board this is assuming that if you stay in FL you keep living with your family. If money is really an issue consider attending a community college they are a great way to start and also a great way to have a very high gpa. Best of luck.

I've heard sometimes private universities do give out more money but that really depends on the school and I'm guessing the major as well.

Yes, I am a senior this year in high school. I have applied to mainly private schools, for they help more. I explain to all my admissions counselors my status and they were glad to help.

I have received $70,000 to one university so far, and $48,000 to another. I have gotten into three universities so far, one being a state college.

Educators for Fair Consideration (EF4C) is a great resource, as well.

I am awaiting decision letters (hopefully acceptances) to other numerous universities in college.

I have also applied to 30+ scholarships.

Amazing best of luck!