Undocumented Students at SPSCC

Undocumented students are encouraged to attend college at SPSCC: you will be accepted and you are welcome here!

Not only will your information and rights be protected at SPSCC, you'll get support from people who care about your goals and success.

If you are an undocumented student, DACA, or DREAMer, you are welcome at SPSCC!

SPSCC protects your rights, personal information, and provides you access to higher education. Here is a summary of our college policy "Keep Washington Working Act" (CADM110) and what it means to you:

Your Privacy Is Respected

  • Personal information related to immigration or citizenship is kept secure and separate from general student records.
  • Information shared in the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is protected and kept separate from student records.
  • SPSCC does not share personal information for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.

Your Safety and Rights Are Prioritized

  • SPSCC prohibits participation in or assistance with immigration enforcement on campus. This includes school facilities, adjacent areas, and parking lots.
  • Immigration enforcement agents must follow strict protocols, including presenting valid court orders, to access campus or student information.

You Can Access Education

  • SPSCC does not discriminate based on immigration or citizenship status, race, color, gender identity, or other protected categories. 
  • All staff and volunteers are trained to uphold the educational rights of immigrant students.  Your Privacy Is Respected
  • Personal information related to immigration or citizenship is kept secure and separate from general student records.
  • Information shared in the WASFA (Washington Application for State Financial Aid (WASFA) is protected and kept separate from student records.
  • SPSCC does not share personal information for immigration enforcement purposes without a legal requirement, such as a valid court order or judicial warrant.

Undocumented Students in Washington State

Undocumented students have a pathway to education in the state of Washington through efforts of the state government, local non-profits, and institutions of higher learning.

House Bill 1079 (2003) states, “students who are undocumented but living in Washington State may be eligible to pay resident tuition rates if they meet all the three following criteria:

  1. Received a diploma from a Washington high school or the equivalent of a diploma in Washington State.
  2. Lived in Washington for at least three calendar years (not school years) prior to receiving their diploma or its equivalent.
  3. Continuously resided in Washington since receiving the high school diploma or its equivalent."

Becoming an SPSCC Student

How to Apply - Apply to SPSCC using the the Steps to Enroll.

How to Get Financial Aid - This is step 3 in the Steps to Enroll. You will complete the WASFA to get state Financial Aid, such as the Washington College Grant, College Bound Scholarship, or State Work Study. Learn more about Financial Aid.

Get Translation Services - To help you become a student, SPSCC provides interpretation services in your native language. Please email us for an appointment in another language: enroll@spscc.edu. 

Resources for Students

Current students have access to many supports, services, and community groups.

  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Center

    Connect and build community with students from across the campus, get staff support from our dedicated staff, or attend workshops and events.
    DEIC Space

  • IGNITE Program

    IGNITE is a support program for students whose identities have historically had systemic barriers in higher education.
    IGNITE

  • Student Financial Services

    Student Financial Services are here to help with ongoing needs related to tuition and fees, scholarships and grants, and completing the WASFA.
    Financial Services

Additional Information

  • Two people looking up a stairwell in SPSCC's Building 22 as another person walks down

    Student Concerns & Reporting

    You deserve a safe and positive student experience. Find forms for incidents & reporting, information about grades appeals, and more.

  • A drone shot of SPSCC's Olympia Campus

    Campus Safety Office

    Campus Safety is here to help you 24 hours a day. Call 360-596-5299 or visit Building 25, Room 117.

  • Many students gathered in the DEIC talking to each other

    DEI Glossary

    SPSCC has a glossary of DEI-related definitions to help our community better understand these concepts.