DACA Recipients
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) students are welcome to pursue admission and enrollment at Columbus State Community College. Our staff and faculty are committed to helping you attain your goals and want you to get a good start toward success.
Steps to Admission:
1. Complete the online application: http://www.cscc.edu/admissions/apply.shtml
- Be sure to check "Deferred Action" for your citizenship/immigration status
2. Submit the following document to the International Student Services office by emailing scanned copies to iss@cscc.edu . (Please attach the documents in the PDF format use your "first name", "last name" and "DACA" in the subject line for faster processing).
- A copy of your I-797 Notice of Deferred Action (approval notice only) from USCIS.
Please allow 5 business days for processing after submitting your supporting documentation for an admission decision. If your deferred action and EAD card have already expired, you may apply for admission, but you will not be considered for Ohio residency classification and your tuition fees will be calculated at the international student fee rate.
Steps to enrollment (What to do after being admitted to CSCC?)
1. Take a Placement Test and/or Submit Test Scores and/or Transcripts
The placement test determines the appropriate course level placement for first term
students. You may be exempt from taking some or all sections of the test if you have
qualifying ACT, AP, or CLEP scores or have transcripts from another college or university.
Click here for details.
2. Reserve your space for Orientation (You will register for classes at a New Student Orientation).
We strongly encourage you to attend orientation, where new students are assisted in
the registration process. We offer a variety of options to orient you to Columbus
State and help you get off to a successful start. Students who attend orientation
EARLY typically have more accessibility and options when registering for courses.
3. Financial Aid information
DACA students are not eligible for any federal government financial aid programs (i.e. Pell Grants, student loans, Federal Work Study). However, you are encouraged to apply for scholarships and College-work-study employment opportunities on campus. You should also explore sources for outside funding that do not require U. S. citizenship, such as the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF) , and Latino Dollars for Scholars. Please check the information carefully – these lists are often several years old can be outdated.
4. Non-work-study student employment opportunities
- DACA students are eligible for some non-work-study student employment opportunities (not eligible for federal work-study positions). Please consult the HR page: jobs.cscc.edu
- Additionally, DACA students may be able to find external, paid internships through Career Services’ portal called “Career Quest”: However, it is important to note that some internships may have permanent residency or citizenship requirements so be sure to check with the employer.
- Finally, feel free to use Career Services’ coaching, resume building, and career planning services.
5. Fields of study
Please be aware that DACA students may face barriers in completing certain programs
of study. For example, programs that require a practicum or licensure may be restricted
based on Ohio law to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Once you have been accepted
by the college, contact your academic advisor to discuss your possibilities.
7. Academic Calendar / Dates and Deadlines