TheDream.US National Scholarship Program

This scholarship is available for student who have graduated or will graduate with their associate's degree who are eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) or TPS (Temporary Protected Status). Students must demonstrate significant financial need, have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and attend one of TheDream.US's partner colleges. Application requirements for the TheDream.US National Scholarship Program are:Application form Essays (2) Recommendation letter Proof of eligibility Tax documents Official Transcript

TheDream.US National Scholarship Program 2026: Application Outlook

TheDream.US National Scholarship Program awards up to $33,000 toward a bachelor's degree (or $16,500 toward an associate degree) at over 80 Partner Colleges in 21 states and Washington, D.C. For 2026, the program is open to DACA, TPS, or DACA-eligible high school seniors and community college graduates with a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. National Scholars commute to a Partner College in their home state - distinguishing the National program from the Opportunity program (which requires relocation).

Application Strategy

Build a Partner College list of 4-6 schools across the affordability spectrum - the scholarship covers tuition and fees but not room/board, so total cost varies significantly by school choice. Public Partner Colleges in states with in-state tuition for undocumented students (CA, NY, IL, NJ, WA, OR, FL since 2014) deliver the lowest out-of-pocket costs after the scholarship. Submit in November/December - applications close in late February and review is rolling. Your personal essay should focus on academic motivation and your specific career path, not your immigration story (TheDream.US already understands the immigration context; what they want to learn from the essay is who YOU are).

Why It Matters in 2026

TheDream.US National program has expanded its Partner College network significantly through 2025-2026, now reaching all six New England states plus FL, TX, NY, NJ, IL, CA, WA, OR and others. For undocumented students with DACA or DACA-eligibility, this is the most accessible large-scale private scholarship in the U.S. - over 11,000 scholars funded since 2014. In 2026, with continuing uncertainty about DACA renewals and state-level policy variation, TheDream.US National provides the most stable four-year financial commitment available to this student population.

Helpful Next Reads on TCM

Explore the full TCM Scholarships database with thousands of awards searchable by major, state, and student demographic. If you are also weighing financial aid options, see our Student Loans hub and our 2026 guide on private student loans - including which lenders to compare and how to qualify for the lowest rates. For families just starting the financial aid process, the FAFSA application guide walks you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions about TheDream.US National Scholarship Program

How much does the TheDream.US National Scholarship Program award?

The TheDream.US National Scholarship Program awards $33,000 per recipient to approximately 300 recipients each cycle.

When is the TheDream.US National Scholarship Program deadline?

The TheDream.US National Scholarship Program deadline is February 27, 2027. Applicants should submit materials at least one week before the deadline to allow time for verification and any required follow-up.

Who is eligible for the TheDream.US National Scholarship Program?

This award is for international students. Must earn an associate's degree from an accredited community college by the end of the academic year OR have already earned his/her associate's degree from an... For full and current eligibility criteria, applicants should always verify directly on the official scholarship website before applying.

How do I apply for the TheDream.US National Scholarship Program?

Apply directly through the official TheDream.US National Scholarship Program application page at https://aim.applyists.net/Dream. Prepare required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, essays where applicable) before starting the application.

This award is for international students. Must earn an associate's degree from an accredited community college by the end of the academic year OR have already earned his/her associate's degree from an accredited community college. The student must not have yet enrolled in a bachelor's degree program. Must have earned a college grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Must intend to enroll full time in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible college in the coming academic year. Must plan to attend one of TheDream.US partner institutions. A list of eligible institutions is available online at www.thedream.us/colleges/. Please note: Students must be eligible for in-state tuition if seeking to attend a partner college that is a public institution. Must be eligible for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) status or TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and have applied for or received DACA or TPS approval. The student must have come to the United States before reaching his/her 16th birthday.In order to qualify, students must meet the following criteria:Sign Up To View