Education at USC Chan
USC Chan is happy to welcome all student applications to our programs, regardless of immigration or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Please review the university’s position here:
USC admission, enrollment and tuition policies are not based on your immigration or DACA status. Your admission and enrollment will not be affected if you do not have, or if you lose your, immigration or DACA status. Financial assistance is available for undocumented students who meet certain criteria. Assembly Bill 540 (AB540) eligible students may qualify for additional assistance under AB130 and AB131 (the “California Dream Act”). For more information, please visit dream.csac.ca.gov. (Information from USC Undergraduate Admission.)
First Generation Plus Success Center
The First Generation Plus Success Center staff seeks to provide access to resources — including legal assistance and scholarships — to undocumented students to ensure all needs are met regardless of income, cultural background, or residency.
USC Chan Mentorship and Application Assistance
If you apply to USC as an undocumented student or DACA recipient, you will apply as an “international student.” This can sometimes be a confusing process to maneuver and we are here to help. Faculty members Dr. Jesús Díaz and Dr. Celso Delgado Jr. are available for undocumented and DACA students to contact any time with questions about USC Chan, our classes, our programs, or to help you through the application process.
You can also contact our Director of Admissions, Dr. Amber Bennett, with any questions or concerns. If you would like to connect with a current USC Chan student who is a first generation student, undocumented student, or DACA recipient, any of our faculty or our Student Ambassadors can facilitate that for you.
USC Chan Scholarships and Student Worker Positions
Students with DACA status are eligible to apply to all USC Chan scholarships and student worker positions. You are also eligible to apply to any USC on-campus job, on either the University Park Campus or the Health Sciences Campus (e.g., gym, library, office).
Undocumented students are eligible for all division tuition scholarships, including the Vision Scholarship, which was established to support students who a) are experienced with and dedicated to working in under-resourced communities or communities with diverse racial and ethnic groups (e.g., Black/African-American, Hispanic/Latinx, American Indian/Alaska Native), and b) exemplify the ideals and characteristics of the American Occupational Therapy Association’s (AOTA) Vision 2025, which states “as an inclusive profession, occupational therapy maximizes health, well-being, and quality of life for all people, populations, and communities through effective solutions that facilitate participation in everyday living.”
Additional USC Resources
USC Immigration Clinic
The USC Immigration Clinic is a free resource for all students, faculty, and staff at the university and its Immigrant Legal Assistance Center is open to local community members as well. They also provide information on becoming a US Citizen through the Citizenship Initiative.
USC Student Basic Needs
The Student Basic Needs department fosters a culture of holistic well-being by helping to eliminate life barriers, such as food, housing, and economic injustice, that may jeopardize student academic and personal success. It supports students by developing initiatives, streamlining communication with campus partners, and connecting students to campus and community resources.
USC Student Government Resources
External Resources
Immigrants Rising — Transforming Lives Through Education
Founded in 2006, Immigrants Rising transforms individuals and fuels broader changes. With resources and support, undocumented people are able to get an education, pursue careers, and build a brighter future for themselves and their community.
Resources and services include:
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