FAQs

Yes, prospective students can apply to Morgan State University regardless of their immigration status. There is no federal or state law that prohibits undocumented students from being admitted to public or private universities in Maryland. All applicants are reviewed under the same admissions criteria, regardless of their status.

Yes, undocumented students in Maryland may qualify for in-state tuition under certain conditions. The Maryland Dream Act allows eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities in Maryland. To qualify, students must meet specific criteria, such as:

• Attending a Maryland high school for at least three years.

• Graduating from a Maryland high school or obtaining a GED.

• Filing Maryland state income taxes for at least two years prior to enrolling in college (effective July 1, 2024).

For more information, please visit. Maryland Dream Act.

Visit our admissions page to learn more about the application process.

If you have additional questions, contact admissions@morgan.edu – 443.885.8500

Undocumented students do not qualify for federal financial aid. However, they may be eligible for certain state financial aid programs, such as the Maryland State Financial Aid Application (MSFAA), which allows qualifying undocumented students to apply for state financial aid.

For more information and to apply, visit the MSFAA Application.

Morgan State University protects the privacy of all student information and records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The university does not release information regarding a student's immigration status to the Department of Homeland Security or any other entity unless legally compelled to do so (e.g., by warrant, subpoena, or court order).

Yes, if Morgan State University receives a subpoena for a student's education records, FERPA requires the university to notify the student before producing the records. The only exception is when the subpoena is issued by a grand jury and is accompanied by a court order preventing the university from notifying the student.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects the privacy of information contained in student education records. Information from those records may be shared outside of the university only with the written consent of the student or if an exception to FERPA’s consent requirement applies (e.g., directory information, health and safety emergency). Faculty and staff should not, and have no responsibility to, provide information to a federal official requesting immediate information on a phone call or during an in-person visit. In almost all cases, the university will have at least three working days to respond. The University’s Office of General Counsel and Office of the Registrar are available to help guide you through issues regarding student privacy and to respond to requests for information.

No, the MSUPD does not arrest or detain students solely based on their immigration status. MSUPD is not responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws and does not inquire about students' immigration status.

While some internships and research positions may require U.S. work authorization, this should not discourage you from exploring these valuable opportunities. We encourage undocumented students to connect with the Center for Career Development, where dedicated staff can guide you through the process and explore potential pathways.  It is important to verify and provide the necessary documentation for these positions, and if eligible, you can refer to resources for guidance on securing an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). With the right support and resources, you can overcome obstacles and gain the experience you need to advance your career.

While undocumented students are generally unable to work on campus due to the federal I-9 requirement to verify work eligibility, there are still pathways available. For DACA students with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), on-campus employment is a possibility within the dates provided on their EAD. We encourage you to explore every opportunity and stay hopeful. With determination and the right support, there are ways to navigate these challenges and gain valuable experience.

For more information, visit the USCIS Employment Authorization Document.

Due to the rescission of DACA on September 5, 2017, Advance Parole applications are no longer accepted, making study abroad and other travel-based experiential learning opportunities unavailable to undocumented students, including those with DACA. If studying abroad is a requirement for your degree, please consult with your academic advisor to explore domestic alternatives.

Undocumented students can apply for and be admitted to graduate and professional programs. However, they are not eligible for federal financial aid, which may make it challenging to finance their education. Additionally, certain programs, like medical school, may require legal status for specific parts of the curriculum, such as clinical rotations, which require background checks and proof of legal status. While there may be challenges, check out these inspirational stories and pieces of advice from myundocumentedlife.com.