Undocumented StudentsAdmission

Applying for Admission

Undocumented students should apply to Gustavus following the same admission process as U.S. citizens and permanent residents who attend high school in the U.S. This means submitting either the Gustavus online application or the Common Application.  

Applying for Financial Aid

Undocumented students are eligible to receive financial aid at Gustavus. This includes merit-based scholarships as well as Gustavus-specific need-based aid, such as the Gustavus Tuition Grant. Please note that admitted students are automatically considered for some merit-based scholarships, while others require a separate application.

To be considered for Gustavus-specific need-based financial aid, undocumented students must complete and submit the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to determine their family's financial need. The PROFILE is a service of the College Board, the same company that administers the SAT, and costs $25 to submit.

Undocumented students who meet certain criteria can also apply for state financial aid via the MN Dream Act. For more information, check out the MN Dream Act Fact Sheet and the MN Dream Act Application. Please be sure to download and read the instructions carefully, as they contain important information that can simplify the application process. For additional resources, please visit the MN Office of Higher Education website, which includes more information regarding the MN State Grant, MN SELF Loan, and a list of local and national scholarships for undocumented students.

Need-based financial aid awards are sent every week beginning in late December. Once you have been admitted, you can expect to receive your award about two weeks after you have submitted the PROFILE. (The exception is students who are finalists for our President's and fine arts scholarships. These students will receive their award, as long as the PROFILE has been submitted, within two weeks of Scholarship Day.)

For the financial aid timeline, more tips on applying for aid, and to download forms visit the financial aid process page. Or, visit the PROFILE website now. And, we always welcome your questions.