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Resources for Undocumented and DACA Students

Western Michigan University is dedicated to becoming a university of choice for all students. We are taking action to dismantle the structural and cultural barriers that stand in the way of our motto: So that all may learn. This requires us to be a responsive university that actively prepares for the future ahead. As a result, this page serves as a resource for undocumented and DACA students to gain an understanding of the admission application process along with financial aid information and additional resources that may be helpful as they explore WMU as a university of choice. 

Admissions Connections

If you have questions or need support in Spanish, the Office of Admissions is happy to assist. You can reach our office via email at admisiones@wmich.edu, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET or by phone at (269) 387-2000. You may also connect to one of our Spanish-speaking staff members identified below.

Applying for Admission to WMU

  • First-year student instructions to complete the Common App, if you are an undocumented student

    High school seniors who identify as undocumented or DACA will follow the steps below to complete the Common Application (Common App) for the upcoming year. 

    Citizenship Question

    In the "Common App" tab, "Profile" section, under "Geography and Nationality"

    Under "Select your citizenship status" select "DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status"

    Common App Western Michigan University Citizenship Question

    In the "My Colleges" tab, "Questions" section, under "General"

    Under "Are you a US Citizen, US Dual Citizen, US Permanent Resident, Asylee/Refugee, or undocumented/DACA?" select "Yes" 

     

  • Transfer student instructions to complete the Gold Gateway application, if you are an undocumented student

    Prospective transfer students interested in applying to Western Michigan University will apply via the Gold Gateway Application.

    Once you have created an account and started a New Application, under "Are you a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Dual Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Asylee/Refugee, or undocumented?" select "Yes" in the drop-down menu as pictured below. 

     

Scholarships and Loans

  • Admissions merit scholarships

    First-Year Scholarships

    As a first-year student at WMU, you have scholarship opportunities that can help you save on your education. There are a number of admissions merit based and need-based scholarship opportunities you are eligible for such as our automatic merit scholarships based on your high school GPA at the time of admission and the Foundations Scholarship.

    View first-year scholarship opportunities

    Transfer Scholarships

    Students who wish to be considered for Community College Competitive Transfer scholarships should complete their admission application file by April 1†. Community College Competitive scholarships are awarded to domestic (including undocumented/DACA) students transferring from a community college and entering in the fall semester. Scholarships are highly competitive and selective.

    †Transfer students interested in Aviation Flight Science and direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing must complete their admission application by the Early Action deadline of February 15. Learn more on the Competitive Admission Programs website. 

    View transfer competitive scholarships

  • Financial Aid information for undocumented/DACA students

    Undocumented Student Scholarship

    WMU offers a limited number of privately funded scholarships for noncitizen students who demonstrate financial need. Applications for this scholarship are submitted electronically through the ScholarshipUniverse system.

    Funding information for undocumented students

    Scholarship Universe

    ScholarshipUniverse is WMU’s tool for students to identify and apply for scholarships, both institutional and private. Admitted and current students can access the system at https://wmich.scholarshipuniverse.com with their Bronco NetID and password.

    You can find further instructions on how to use the system at https://wmich.edu/finaid/pdf/fact-sheets/SUinstructions.pdf

    Undocumented/DACA Scholarship

  • 2024-25 FAFSA Updates

    When the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form first became available, the U.S. Department of Education discovered an issue preventing contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) from starting or accessing the form. The Department has made technical updates that enable students with contributors without an SSN to now successfully submit the form. 

    For details and updates, navigate to the WMU Financial Aid website for weekly updates, and there are updates to SSN creation under the March 15, 2024 update.

Support and Resources

  • Multicultural Affairs for Students

    Navigation Specialist

    Multicultural navigation specialists provide direct support to students from historically marginalized communities, including asset-based coaching and connections to relevant student groups, support and programming that create belonging. Alexis Mejia serves as the Navigation Specialist in Multicultural Affairs for Students that identify with the Hispanic/Latinx community.

  • Spanish Resources

    WMU is proud to offer resources in Spanish for families to learn more information about resources for financial aid, scholarships and the campus.

    Connect to resources in Spanish

  • Student Organizations

    WMU has 300+ Registered Student Organizations on a spectrum of areas. These organizations are affinity-based, academic, social interests, volunteerism, political, religious and so much more!

    View students organizations for Latinx students

  • LatinX Connections on Campus

    The Latinx Employee Association is a growing professional organization composed of WMU faculty and staff that identify with the Hispanic and Latinx Community interested in serving colleagues across campus, but more importantly, WMU students.

    Visit the Latin Employee Association website