An inclusive state policy environment is one that explicitly extends the provision of in-state residency tuition to undocumented students. In some cases, these regulations also extend to granting state financial aid to this population.
Even in states with inclusive legislation in place, several challenges exist at both public and private institutions regarding undocumented students’ ability to enter and pay for higher education.
Approximately 38% of those at public institutions do not have or "do not know" if they have an explicit policy that admits undocumented students. Approximately 60% of respondents at private institutions "did not know" their institutional admissions policy for undocumented students.
Approximately 2% of public institutions explicitly deny admission to undocumented students. Roughly 10% don't admit undocumented students.
Public institutions are less likely to offer institutional financial aid than private institutions. Approximately 40% of private institutions do not offer any type of financial aid to undocumented students.
The majority of financial aid given to undocumented students is state aid. However, only three states offer this type of aid: California, Texas and Illinois. Approximately 31% of religiously affiliated institutions deny admission to all undocumented students.