Pikes Peak Community College is an open-door institution which allows any student to attend, regardless of citizenship. We do not ask for immigration status, but we ask about citizenship status. This helps determine your tuition. Undocumented, ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow), and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students should choose the “Non-U.S. Citizen” option on the application.
What should the DACAmented do?
- Contact an attorney for additional questions regarding advance parole options
- Consult with an attorney about initial DACA application or renewal options
- Consider renewing your CO license to get another three years
- Call your representatives and let them know your feelings about immigration reform:
Visit the official FAQ about DACA from the Department of Homeland Security.
Need Counseling?
PPCC Counseling Center’s mission is to support student success by providing information and services related to emotional wellness. The Counseling Center is sensitive and places a high value on the dignity and worth of individuals. Therefore, it is our belief that all persons should be accepted for who they are, and we recognize and encourage each individual’s potential for personal growth and change. PPCC Counseling Center values confidentiality and operates within the ethical guidelines of counseling. If you have questions or concerns please contact the Counseling Center at 719-502-4689.
Undocumented Student Information
What we do to ensure no student or family, is discriminated against because of race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.
We believe deeply in diversity and inclusion. We don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment. Our policies mandate no discrimination or harassment of students, families, or employees based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or many other protected classes.
Would PPCC ever share immigration status with federal immigration officials?
In most cases, the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) protects education records. We would only share information about immigration status if an official produces a legal order (subpoena or search warrant) to seek information on a student. We review all legal orders with our attorney before sharing documents.
Understanding Immigration Rights
Consult an immigration attorney. For your own protection, do not seek advice from anyone except licensed immigration attorneys. Consider visiting these organizations for additional resources:
- Catholic Charities of Central Colorado - Offering assistance in both English and Spanish
- The National Immigrant Justice Center - Allows the option to request a legal consultation online or by phone
- United We Dream - Offers workshops for initial and renewal DACA applications
Immigration Status and Tuition Classification
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but can be eligible for Colorado state financial aid and in-state tuition, which can make the cost of college very affordable.
- In Colorado, students who meet Colorado residency requirements are eligible for in-state tuition regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
- Students who qualify for in-state tuition via ASSET legislation, are also able to receive the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend from the state of Colorado which helps reduce the cost of tuition. Apply for COF online.
Questions?
If you have questions, please connect with Janae Knipp.
Email: Janae.Knipp@ppcc.edu
Phone: 719-502-2453
International Students
Undocumented, DACA, and ASSET students are not international students. International students have a student visa or intend to get a student visa to attend PPCC. Their main residence is outside the United States. We welcome students from around the world. For questions about international student issues, visit International Students. Students on F or J visas have largely waived their rights under FERPA through the visa process. Visit the international student site for more.
DACA Students
DACA is based on an order from former President Obama. It is a federal policy that applies to many young people who immigrated to the United States as children. It has allowed them to apply for a renewable, two-year period where the government would defer action on their immigration status.
If you are a recipient of DACA, consider contacting an immigration attorney now to determine your options. Additional information can be found at American Council on Education DACA Issue Brief and in the accompanying DACA Update article.
State Financial Aid for ASSET Students
Beginning Fall 2019 students who are non-US Citizens may qualify for Colorado State Financial Aid. They must meet the requirements to be an ASSET student and must provide documentation of low income eligibility.
Requirement to be considered an ASSET Student:
Receiving in-state tuition based solely on attendance at a high school in Colorado for at least three years immediately preceding the date the student graduated from a Colorado high school or the date they completed a general equivalency diploma (GED) in Colorado.
Resources for DACA, Dreamers, and Undocumented Students
Scholarship Opportunities:
- The Open Scholarship/La Beca Abierta – The Open Scholarship funds PPCC students who face barriers to receiving financial aid or scholarships. Some of those barriers might be the inability to receive federal or state funding, lack of documentation, language, or registration in only English as a Second Language (ESL) courses.
- El Cinco de Mayo, Inc. Scholarships – open to students regardless of legal status
- Latin American Education Foundation - open to Colorado residents regardless of legal status
- Colorado Education Services & Development Association Scholarship – open to students regardless of legal status
- Dr. Juan Andrade Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders – for full-time enrolled or accepted students, regardless of legal status
- Red Thread Foundation for Women - for women who are first year entrants including foreign or immigrant students
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) – list of current scholarship opportunities
- Scholarship America Dream Award – after 1st year of college Open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (holders of a Permanent Resident card), or individuals granted deferred action status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA)
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund – check out if transferring to a 4 year! Open to U.S. Citizen, Permanent Legal Resident, DACA or Eligible Non-Citizen (as defined by FAFSA)
- National Scholarship for Community College Graduates/Dreamers Can apply if you arrived in the U.S. before Nov 1, 2015
- Scholarships A-Z Scholarships List - regardless of legal status
- My Undocumented Life Scholarship List – scholarships open to undocumented students
- Immigrants Rising – list of scholarships that don’t require proof of residency/citizenship
- MALDEF Scholarship Resources - overview of scholarships, many of which do not require proof of status
Additional Resources:
- Catholic Charities of Central Colorado - 719-866-6515, immigration@ccharitiescc.org
- Immigrants Rising- resources for undocumented students and an anonymous intake service to learn about immigration options.
- Colorado ASSET Program
- My Undocumented Life
- United We Dream – immigrant youth-led community
- Congressional Hispanic Caucus- fellowships/internship (based in D.C.), webinars, virtual events (*search scholarships)
- Informed Immigrant
- Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network
- The Administrative Relief Resource Center has a search engine that allows you to get a list of all legal services near you
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association has an online directory of attorneys
- The U.S. Department of Justice provides info on how to find legal representation (*see pro bono list)
- The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild has a state-by-state online find-a-lawyer tool
- Colorado Crisis Services - 1-844-493-8255 (24/7 crisis support), or text TALK to 38255
- MoneyGeek Financial planning for DREAMers, DACA recipients
- Best Colleges – Financial Aid for Undocumented Students and Guide for Parents and Families of Undocumented Students
*Please note that this is not an endorsement or approval of the sponsoring groups or any of the services, information or opinions in the links. CCCS is not responsible for the accuracy of the external site or for that of subsequent links. You may contact the external site for answers to questions regarding content.