Undocumented Students

Yes! CLC warmly welcomes undocumented, DACA, and mixed-status students. You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) or a U.S. citizenship to apply, enroll or succeed here.

You can apply online for free! Your College and Career Navigator (CCN) can walk you through:

• Choosing a program
• Completing your application
• Planning your first semester

How to apply

You do not need a Social Security Number (SSN) to apply to CLC.

The application may ask for an SSN, but you can enter 000-00-0000. It is not required to be admitted or to register for classes.

If the system prompts you or you’re unsure how to move forward:

• Contact the Welcome and One Stop Center or a College and Career Navigator for support.
• You can also speak to the Undocumented Student Advisor to help walk you through the process confidentially.

CLC will never share your information with immigration authorities, and you will still receive your student ID and full access to campus services.

No. If you are undocumented or have DACA, you should not complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Instead, apply for state financial aid through the Illinois Alternative Application.

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provided by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is no longer available for the 2026-2027 aid year. The 2027-2028 application is scheduled to open on October 1, 2026.

This is for students who live in Illinois and are ineligible for federal aid due to immigration status. It helps you qualify for the MAP Grant (Monetary Award Program), which can lower your tuition costs.

The Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid provided by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is no longer available for the 2026-2027 aid year. The 2027-2028 application is scheduled to open on October 1, 2026.

Learn about eligibility and applying to the Illinois Alternative Application

• For FAFSA: If you are eligible to complete the FAFSA (e.g., U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen), your parents do not need a Social Security Number (SSN). On the FAFSA form, they can enter 000-00-0000 if they do not have an SSN. However, they will not be able to sign electronically. You will need to print and submit a signature page by mail.
• For the Illinois Alternative Application: If you're undocumented or have DACA, parents' SSNs are not required. This application is designed for undocumented and DACA students and is completely separate from FAFSA.

Yes! You’re encouraged to apply for CLC Foundation and other scholarships, many of which do not require an SSN. You only need to submit one general application to be considered for multiple scholarships.

Scholarship application deadlines:

• Fall semester: July 31
• Spring semester: December 31

Explore CLC Foundation scholarships

On July 24, 2026, a federal district court ruling in U.S. v. State of Illinois determined that the provision of the Public Community College Act allowing undocumented students who establish Illinois residency to receive in-state tuition is unlawful. As a result, CLC is no longer legally authorized to charge in-state or in-district tuition rates to undocumented students.

For fall 2026, students who have not reported to CLC that they are a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident may need to provide additional information to determine their in-district tuition eligibility.

What students should know:

• Student Records deparment will reach out to fall 2026 students who need to provide additional citizenship information to help confirm tuition eligibility.
• Students have until August 28, 2026, to clarify their citizenship information through the Change Personal Information form in the CLC Student Portal.
• After August 28, students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents will be assigned a "foreign" residency status and assessed the out-of-state/foreign tuition rate of $505.10 per credit hour.

We are committed to helping students understand options and stay on track with their education.

Future CLC students affected by this development can reach out to:

Financial Aid
(847) 543-2062
finaid@clcillinois.edu

Financial Aid staff will help answer questions and discuss options for the 2026–2027 academic year.

Yes. CLC offers access to confidential immigration legal consultations through trusted community-based organizations. While CLC does not provide direct legal services, we work closely with trusted partners to connect students with reliable and culturally responsive legal support.

To get a referral, contact the Undocumented Student Resource Advisor at (847) 543-2338 or email srodriguez20@clcillinois.edu.

You are not alone! CLC has dedicated people to support you every step of the way:

• Undocumented Student Resource Advisor (USRA): Your go-to person for questions about college, resources, scholarships, legal referrals, and more. The USRA understands your unique experience and is here to help you succeed. Email your USRA.
• College and Career Navigators (CCN): For help with admissions, program selection and getting started. Connect with your CCN.
• Academic Success Advisors (ASA): For support throughout your academic and transfer planning journey. Log in to the Student Portal to connect with your ASA.
• UndocuAllies: Trained staff and faculty who advocate for undocumented and mixed-status students.

Our experts are ready to answer your questions and get you resources to help you achieve academic success.

Absolutely. CLC’s Career & Job Placement Center and Advising Office will help you:

• Explore careers
• Build your résumé
• Transfer to a 4-year university
• and more!

No. CLC does not require students to disclose their immigration status during the admissions or enrollment process. Your privacy is respected.

If you choose to share your status with an advisor or trusted staff member, such as the Undocumented Student Resource Advisor, this will be kept confidential. The information only will be used to help connect you to appropriate support, resources, or financial aid options. Your personal information is never shared with immigration enforcement agencies.

CLC takes your privacy seriously. The college does not share your information including immigration status unless law enforcement provides a valid judicial warrant or subpoena.

CLC staff are trained to protect your rights, follow federal (FERPA) and Illinois law, and will notify you if any request is made. Your safety and confidentiality come first.