State and institutional policies on in-state resident tuition and financial aid for undocumented students: Examining constraints and opportunities

Authors

  • Gabriel R. Serna Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
  • Joshua M. Cohen Virginia Tech
  • David H. K. Nguyen University of North Dakota

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.25.2809

Keywords:

undocumented immigrants, tuition, state financial aid, educational policy, state policy, educational equity

Abstract

In this article, we examine policies related to in-state resident tuition and state financial aid policies aimed at undocumented students. To help frame the discussion and spark further debate and research in this area the article seeks to do three things. First, it provides a comprehensive review of state and institutional in-state tuition policies aimed at undocumented students as well as state college or university system responses. Second, it charts the policy landscape for state financial aid access for this population. Third, it examines the numerous implications that such policies engender and highlights the role of the federal government and the proposed Dream Act in mitigating some of these concerns. It closes by underscoring the important financial role played by the critical interaction of state, institutional, and federal policies in making college going a reality for these students while proposing avenues for future study around the issue.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Author Biographies

Gabriel R. Serna, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Dr. Serna is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His research interests focus on the economics and finance of higher education, student price-response, undocumented students, and enrollment management. His research has been nationally recognized by the National Education Finance Conference and the Journal of Education Finance. He holds a Ph.D. in education policy from Indiana University Bloomington, an MPP in public finance and budgeting from the Martin School of Public Policy & Administration at the University of Kentucky, and a BBA in economics from New Mexico State University. 

Joshua M. Cohen, Virginia Tech

Joshua Cohen is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Education at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. His research interests are in the areas of higher education finance, budgeting, university debt and capital budgeting, quantitative methods, philosophy of social science. He holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and Student Affairs Leadership, as well as an M.A. and B.A. in English literature, from the University of Northern Colorado. 

David H. K. Nguyen, University of North Dakota

Dr. David Nguyen is an assistant professor in the higher education program in the Department of Educational Leadership and affiliate assistant professor of law at the University of North Dakota. His research focuses on the intersection of law and policy with higher education and examines the policies and practices that address inequities of access of education for underrepresented students. Dr. Nguyen also studies the globalization and internationalization of higher education, with specific emphasis on the international student experience on host campuses. Dr. Nguyen is admitted to the bars of the federal and state courts of Indiana and North Dakota.

Downloads

Published

2017-02-27

How to Cite

Serna, G. R., Cohen, J. M., & Nguyen, D. H. K. (2017). State and institutional policies on in-state resident tuition and financial aid for undocumented students: Examining constraints and opportunities. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 25, 18. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.25.2809

Issue

Vol. 25 (2017)

Section

Education Finance and English Language Learners