Who are Undocumented Students?
Undocumented students are school-age immigrants who live in the United States after entering the country without inspection or after overstaying their visas. Undocumented students can apply for admissions to Southern Oregon University but are required to submit the Tuition Equity Form in order for their admissions application to be processed. Some undocumented students may be part of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) while others are not.
Citizenship/Immigration Status Definitions
Resident Alien
A resident alien is an immigrant who possesses a Resident Alien Card, is a permanent resident of the United States, but does not have citizenship. A student who possesses a Permanent Resident Card (Resident Alien Card-RAC) is not considered an undocumented student. When applying to Southern Oregon University a Resident Alien should select “Resident Alien” as their citizenship status on the application and must submit a copy of the front and back of their resident alien card to the SOU Office of Admissions in order for their application to be processed.
Undocumented
An undocumented person does not have valid immigration status in the U.S. Undocumented students applying to Southern Oregon University should fill out the domestic student application, select “Non-U.S. Citizen” for their citizenship status and use 999999999 as their social security number unless they have been granted a social security number through DACA. Undocumented students are required to submit a Tuition Equity Form in order for their admissions application to be processed.
DACA/DACA-mented
Students who are DACA recipients (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), also known as “DACA-mented” students, are still considered undocumented students even though they may have a social security number and/or an Employment Authorization Card. DACA students should follow the same steps as an undocumented student when applying to SOU. A copy of your Employment Authorization Card is not required for admission processing.
Refugee/Asylum
A student who is a refugee or is in the United States on asylum is not considered an undocumented student. A student who fits this classification should apply to Southern Oregon University using the domestic application, list their citizenship as a “Resident Alien” and submit a copy of the I-797 or I-94 showing their immigration status.
International Student
An international student is a student who is entering or entered the United States with a valid non-immigrant status in the US. International students should apply using the International Student application. Certain visa holders, such as dependents of non-immigrants in H-1B or E-2 status, may be eligible for in-state tuition. Students should view the SOU residency page to determine if they are eligible for tuition residency. International students who are in the process of changing their immigration status, or who have questions about their immigration status, should consult with the Office of International Programs at intprogs@sou.edu .
Applying for College
At Southern Oregon University, admissions decisions are based on a holistic review of all applicant information, both academic and personal, presented in your application.
For information about application requirements or to complete an online application, visit our How To Apply page. All freshman and transfer students who are applying for a bachelor’s degree program are considered undergraduate students.
Applying as an Undocumented Student
Undocumented students should apply to Southern Oregon University using the domestic student application and select “non-US Citizen” for their citizenship status. If the student has been assigned a social security number through DACA, they can use it for their social security number on the application. Otherwise, the student can use all nine’s (999999999) to complete the application.
Incoming freshman/first year students are required to submit their GPA and official high school transcripts in order for their application to be considered complete and processed. Along with these materials, undocumented students must submit the Tuition Equity Form.
Transfer students are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges they have attended. Along with these materials, undocumented students must submit the Tuition Equity Form.
HB 2787- Tuition Equity
For the full SOU Oregon Tuition Equity website visit sou.edu/tuitionequity. Para más información y documentos, favor de visitar nuestro sitio web: sou.edu/equidaddemarticula
HB 2787: What is it?
House Bill 2787 provides certain students an exemption from nonresident tuition and fees at Oregon public universities.
In summary, SOU may grant in-state tuition for undocumented students who have:
- Attended elementary or secondary/high school in a state or territory of the U.S. for at least five years
- Studied at an Oregon school for at least the last three years prior to leaving high school
- Graduated from an Oregon high school or received a GED in Oregon
- AND Show intention to become a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Undocumented students who do not meet the criteria for HB 2787 can still apply to Southern Oregon University but will be assessed as a non-resident student and will be required to pay non-resident (out-of-state) tuition and fees.
What does it mean?
First-time undergraduates (freshmen and transfers) who are admitted to Southern Oregon University, and meet the requirements of HB 2787, may be assessed in-state tuition rates at Southern Oregon University.
*Please note: the assessment of in-state tuition rates under HB 2787 does not change a student’s residency status.
How to apply for HB 2787- Tuition Equity?
Students wishing to be considered for in-state tuition rates under HB 2787 should apply using a domestic admissions application and answer the citizenship questions as ‘non-U.S. citizen’ then submit the HB 2787 form. Completed forms can be mailed to Southern Oregon University Office of Admissions or electronic forms can be emailed to the SOU Residency Officer at residency@sou.edu .
Southern Oregon University
Office of Admissions
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, OR 97520
*The HB 2787 form must be submitted before the admissions application will be considered complete and processed.
I’m an undocumented student but I don’t meet the HB 2787 requirements. How should I apply?
Students who do not meet the requirements for HB 2787 should apply using the domestic application as a ‘non-U.S. Citizen’ and must submit the Tuition Equity Form the Tuition Equity form must be submitted before the admissions application will be considered complete and processed.
Paying for College
FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
SOU uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your financial need and eligibility for various programs. Your financial aid award is designed to meet as much of your financial need and eligibility as possible and is determined by your need level as demonstrated by the FAFSA, and by the availability of funds. SOU offers merit-based scholarships, as well as need and non-need based financial aid. For a complete list of federal eligibility requirements, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
Undocumented students are not eligible to receive federal aid, grants or loans, however, DACA students who have been provided with a social security number can fill out the FAFSA in order to receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Although they can fill out the FAFSA and get a SAR these students still cannot access federal aid. Student Aid Reports (SAR) can be used to demonstrate need and can be used to apply for private, state and institutional funding.
Office of Financial Aid
Britt Hall
1250 Siskiyou Boulevard
Ashland, OR 97520
Email: finaid@sou.edu
Phone: 541.552.6600
ORSAA – Oregon Student Aid Application
SB 932 (Senate Bill 932) allows eligible students to apply and be considered for the state-funded Oregon Opportunity Grant (OOG) and, if eligible, Oregon Promise. In order to be qualified for OOG, students need to be Oregon residents or be exempted from paying non-resident tuition (through a program like HB2787 Tuition Equity). Eligible students can apply using the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA). Students can visit the OSAC – Oregon Office of Student Access and Completion website to determine if they are eligible to file for ORSAA.
Scholarships
Southern Oregon University offers a variety of merit-based scholarships that are open to all incoming freshman and transfer students, including undocumented students. Students are considered for these awards based on their residency, GPA, and more.
Academic departments may also award scholarships to new SOU students. Eligibility for scholarships awarded by academic programs varies based on department, student status, GPA, etc. Not all academic department scholarships may be available to undocumented students depending on the funding source of the award.
For full information about scholarships, view our scholarship page.
Students are also encouraged to apply for scholarships offered by organizations outside of SOU. These awards may community-based through non-profit organizations, community based organizations, companies, and more. Websites such as TheDream.US are a good starting point for undocumented students who are exploring scholarship opportunities.
*Before submitting applications for third-party scholarships, students should check the organization’s website of validity and reviews, and check to ensure that the application for the scholarship does not have an application fee.
Visiting Campus
Visiting Southern Oregon University is an important step of a student’s college decision process. Take a student-led tour of SOU’s beautiful campus, check out the residence halls, meet SOU faculty and students, and learn about the academic programs available at SOU.
Campus Tours
The Office of Admissions offers campus visits for individuals and families and also hosts Preview events throughout the year. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet current students, learn about the admissions process, explore different academic interests, find out about scholarship opportunities and much more.
High school groups and/or school organizations wishing to visit campus can also arrange group tours. To find out more about tours or to sign up, visit sou.edu/visitus or call 800.470.3377
Virtual Tour
Students and families can tour the SOU campus anytime from a computer or mobile device in our interactive virtual tour.
Undocumented Student Resources
Southern Oregon University (SOU) strives to create a supportive environment so that students can be successful inside and outside of the classroom. There are many campus resources available to undocumented students. Students should contact any programs they may be interested in utilizing while attending SOU.
Many of SOU’s support resources are made available through student fees. Any student who is paying on-campus student fees is able to take advantage of these resources for no additional cost. In addition, most student support is available for all SOU students. For a list of SOU resources and services visit the Student Life page.
Social Justice & Equity Center
The SOU Social Justice and Equity Center endeavors to create an inclusive program that promotes academic achievement, celebrates diversity, and supports the rich life experiences of the SOU community. The SJEC supports the African-American, Latino/Hispanic American, Native American, Pacific Islander, American Asian, and Queer communities of SOU in a variety of ways, such as coordinating culturally relevant lectures and programs, serving as an advisor to student organizations, fostering a safe space for discussions and gatherings, and acting as a community center.
Latino Student Union
The Latino Student Union promotes awareness of Latino culture based on the diverse lifestyles and experiences of LSU members, focusing on respect, social justice and unity.
Latino Youth Programs
Southern Oregon University’s Pre-College Youth Programs offers enriching and dynamic educational programs for K-12th grade students in Southern Oregon. Programs for Latino Youth include Academia Latina, Día Familiar Latino, Juntos en Familia, and the César E. Chávez Leadership Conference.
Contact SOU Admissions
SOU Office of Admissions
1250 Siskiyou Blvd.
Ashland, OR 97520
541.552.6411 (local)
855.470.3377 (toll-free)
541.552.8403 (fax)
admissions@sou.edu
– Questions About Admissions? –