Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences intentionally commits to educating, encouraging, empowering, and advocating for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community. We will endeavor to implement policies, remove barriers, share resources, and practice restorative justice that enhances recruitment, retention, and success for students, faculty, staff, and the community. – DEI
PNWU welcomes those with DACA status. The admissions team is eager to assist students
as they explore graduate studies in health sciences.
What is DACA? DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Students in this program, also known as Dreamers, came to the United States as children and are protected from deportation. Since 2012, nearly 800,000 DACA recipients were able to access school and work legally in the United States. Although DACA recipients may apply for a Social Security number, driver’s license, and work permits, DACA recipients are not eligible for federal financial assistance.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get federal student loans to pay my tuition at PNWU?
- DACA students are not eligible for federal student loans. However, you may be eligible for financial assistance from other sources and private organizations.
- Do I need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)?
- Since DACA students are not eligible for federal student aid, there is no need to complete the FAFSA® when attending PNWU. For more information, visit Financial Aid and Undocumented Students.
- Will I be charged Out-of-State or International Tuition?
- No, the tuition rate is the same for all PNWU students. Please view the Cost of Attendance for your program.
- Are there additional requirements for DACA students?
- Once offered a seat at PNWU, applicants with DACA status will need to provide an I-797 form and employment authorization (EAD) with “C-33” in the category section of the document. Please visit our page for newly admitted students for other helpful information.
Private Loans
If you’re looking to take out a private college loan, be sure to shop around and consider as many lenders as possible to find the right loan for your situation. Depending on the lender, you might be able to apply either as a DACA recipient or as an international student.
- Ascent
- Citizens Bank
- Discover
- MPOWER Financing (Offers loans that do not require cosigners, collateral, or a credit history.)
- Sallie Mae
- Stilt (Offers loans specifically for DACA; no cosigners required.)
Keep in mind: To apply for some loans, you may need to have a creditworthy cosigner who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You might also have to provide special documentation, such as paperwork from ICE.