DACA FAQ

Yes, once accepted through the admission process. Immigration status is not considered as a factor in admission.

UTA does not check immigration status when a student enrolls at the University. The University does not track the immigration status of our students.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records, and which UTA strictly enforces. Student education records can only be released in very specific circumstances. UTA will only release student educational records to law enforcement if they have a lawful subpoena or judicial warrant.

Yes. DACA students are eligible for state-based financial aid but are not eligible for federal financial aid. To apply for state-based aid, students must file the Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA). DACA students may also be eligible for many private scholarships.

Possibly. Students who are Texas residents are eligible for in-state tuition. Texas residency is determined by state law. For students who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, residency may be established if you:

a. Graduated from a Texas high school or received a general educational development (GED) certificate in Texas; and

b. Continuously lived in Texas for three (3) years leading up to graduation from high school or receipt of GED certificate; and

c. Continuously resided or will have resided in Texas for the 12 months preceding enrollment at UH; and

d. Have filed or will file an application to become a permanent resident at the earliest opportunity that they are eligible to do so.

Grants/Scholarships

• Texas Application for State Financial Aid -English and Spanish Language Available
• Toward Excellence Access Success Grant Program (TEXAS Grant)
• Highest Ranking High School Graduate
• Tarrant County To & Through Partnership
• Dallas County Promise
• General Academic Recruitment Scholarships 

Yes. It can be revoked if you are convicted of a crime that would disqualify you from DACA, including crimes related to violence, drugs, sexual abuse, burglary, possession or use of a firearm, driving under the influence, or gangs, you could lose your deferred action and be placed in removal proceedings.

All perspective students apply for admission through Apply Texas. When creating an account, be sure to select “create new 4-year university undergraduate admissions application” under My Application.

Select University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington) and select your application status (Freshmen, US or Transfer, US). You should NOT select an international application.

If you have a social security number you should enter it into the system, however it is not required.

For more information visit UTA's Admissions page.

UTA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS  offers a wide range of services to support your emotional well-being. CAPS assists students in increasing self-awareness, addressing mental health and emotional concerns, and making positive changes in their lives. Call (817)272-3671 to schedule an in-person or telehealth counseling visit or phone consultation, or (817) 272- 2771 to schedule a telehealth psychiatry visit. Additional information can be found at UTA Caps Services Page


UTA Scholarships and Financial Aid Office: DACA Students may be eligible for state-based financial aid.

The University provides a number of resources to assist you as you apply for financial aid. Questions? Visit the Student Money Management Center page, the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office page or contact them directly.

Other resources are listed on our DACA Resources page

Undocumented students may consult the Office of International Education  with questions, as well as the Intercultural Student Engagement Center, although neither office can provide legal advice. Because issues surrounding undocumented or DACA status are complex and extremely fact-specific, personalized legal advice is recommended either through a private attorney or through community legal resources. These include:

Legal Aid of Northwest Texas

Texas A&M School of Law Immigrant Rights Clinic

SMU Law Immigration Clinic

Catholic Charities Dallas Immigration Legal Services

Tarrant County Legal Line

Texas Civil Rights Project

Human Rights Initiative of North Texas

Mosaic Family Services

Richard and Ginni Mithoff Pro Bono Program at UT-Austin Law School

Generally, no. The very limited exception is if the faculty or staff member works in a capacity to assist DACA students or otherwise assist with immigration questions or related financial aid questions and the student asks for information or assistance.

If you are concerned that your rights are being violated, you can file a report with the UTA Office of Equal Opportunity Services (EOS), which processes and investigates all complaints regarding unlawful discrimination. To file a complaint complete the online complaint form here

The EOS Office is located in the University Administration Building , Suite 241. ; email: titleix@uta.edu; phone 817-272-4585.