USA Scholarships
Partial Funding Undergraduate the USA

TheDream.US National Scholarship 2027 - Up to $33,000

Deadline February 28, 2027 (2026-27 National Scholarship round) 163 days left · Hosted by TheDream.US · Published

TheDream.US National Scholarship is built for first-generation immigrant students, often called Dreamers, who have significant unmet financial need but are ineligible for federal Pell Grants because of immigration status. For the 2026-27 round opening November 1, 2026, the award covers tuition and fees up to $33,000 toward a bachelor's degree or up to $8,250 toward an associate degree at one of TheDream.US Partner Colleges, plus up to $6,000 for books, supplies, and transportation. You must have arrived in the United States before age 16 and before November 1, 2020, graduated or be on track to graduate from a US high school with at least a 2.5 GPA, and enroll full time at an in-state Partner College unless you choose a listed private, online, or Texas partner.

Bachelor's tuition cap
Up to $33,000
Partner Colleges
Associate & BA
Application closes
Feb 28, 2027
DACA or TPS OK
Dreamers nationwide
How to apply Am I eligible? Official website

What is TheDream.US National Scholarship?

TheDream.US National Scholarship exists because federal Pell Grants stop where immigration status starts. The organization calls the award its Pell equivalent for highly motivated Dreamers who grew up in the United States, graduated from US high schools, and still face a tuition gap even after in-state rates at public colleges.

The money is substantial but tied to a partner network. You pick a Partner College in your state, enroll full time in an associate or bachelor's program, and the scholarship pays tuition and fees up to $33,000 for a four-year path or $8,250 for a two-year path, plus up to $6,000 for books, supplies, and transportation. Renewal each June keeps the support flowing until you finish, provided you stay eligible.

Immigration timing matters as much as grades. You need to have arrived before age 16 and before November 1, 2020, meet the foundation's detailed status rules, and show a 2.5 GPA alongside real community service. The application window for the 2026-27 round runs from November 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027, with decisions landing in late April.

If you are building a college list as an undocumented or DACA student, pair this guide with the Partner College map on thedream.us early. In-state tuition eligibility, especially in Texas or at private partners, can determine whether the National Scholarship fits your plan before you draft a single essay.

Who can apply

Eligibility

Your progress 0 / 6
  • ✓
    First-generation immigrant status
    You must be a first-generation immigrant student who is currently undocumented with or without DACA or TPS, entered the US before November 1, 2020, and arrived before turning 16.
  • ✓
    Continuous US residence
    You need to have lived continuously in the United States since your initial arrival and meet TheDream.US immigration eligibility criteria published for the National Scholarship.
  • ✓
    Significant unmet financial need
    The scholarship targets students who still lack funds for college after other aid. If you are receiving or eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you cannot receive this award.
  • ✓
    Academic minimums
    Graduate from a US high school or equivalency with at least a 2.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. If you already earned college credits, maintain a cumulative 2.5 college GPA as well.
  • ✓
    Partner College enrollment plan
    Plan to enroll full time in an associate or bachelor's program at a National Scholarship Partner College in your state for Fall 2026 or Spring 2027, following in-state tuition rules except at private, online, or Texas partners listed by TheDream.US.
  • ✓
    High school completion timing
    Earn or expect to earn a US high school diploma or equivalency before Fall 2026 so you can start college on the timeline the 2026-27 round covers.
What you get

Benefits

  • Tuition and fees Up to $33,000 total
  • Books and supplies stipend Up to $6,000 total
  • Transportation support Included in $6,000 stipend cap
  • Renewability Renewable each year through bachelor's completion
  • Room and board Not explicitly covered
  • Pell-eligible students Not eligible for this award
  • Tuition and fees Up to $8,250 total
  • Books and supplies stipend Up to $6,000 total
  • Transportation support Included in stipend cap
  • Renewability Renewable while pursuing associate degree
  • Non-partner colleges Not covered
What to prepare

Document checklist

Documents gathered 0 / 6
  • ✓
    TheDream.US online application
    Complete the National Scholarship application through the official portal once the November 1, 2026 opening date arrives.
  • ✓
    Immigration eligibility documentation
    Provide information verifying DACA, TPS, or undocumented status under the program's immigration criteria.
  • ✓
    High school transcript or equivalency
    Show graduation or expected graduation along with a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  • ✓
    College transcripts if applicable
    Submit post-secondary grades when you already earned college credit after high school.
  • ✓
    Financial need information
    Demonstrate unmet need and confirm you are not Pell Grant eligible under program rules.
  • ✓
    Community service and personal essays
    TheDream.US weighs dedication to community service and perseverance despite barriers alongside GPA.
Step by step

How to apply

Use TheDream.US tools to confirm you meet arrival date, age, and status requirements before the November 1, 2026 opening.
Review the National Scholarship college list, noting special rules for private, online, and Texas partners and in-state tuition requirements.
Collect high school records, any college transcripts, and documents showing unmet need plus non-Pell status.
Submit the full National Scholarship application between November 1, 2026 and February 28, 2027.
Essays and activity lists should show how you serve your community and persist despite immigration-related barriers.
Check email and the application system for missing items until notifications go out in late April 2027.
Accepted scholars renew annually in June by meeting continuing eligibility requirements.
When

Deadline and timeline

Application deadline
February 28, 2027 (2026-27 National Scholarship round)
163 days left
Nov 1, 2026
2026-27 National Scholarship application opens on TheDream.US.
Nov 2026 - Feb 2027
Applicants complete forms, essays, and financial documentation.
Feb 28, 2027
National Scholarship application deadline.
Mar - Apr 2027
TheDream.US reviews files and verifies Partner College fit.
Late Apr 2027
Award notifications sent to selected Dreamer scholars.
Fall 2026 / Spring 2027
Scholars enroll full time at Partner Colleges with tuition support active.
Each June
Renewal window for continuing scholars who meet eligibility standards.
Questions

FAQ

What is TheDream.US National Scholarship?

It is a renewable college scholarship for first-generation immigrant students, including undocumented students with or without DACA or TPS, who attend TheDream.US Partner Colleges. The award covers tuition and fees up to program caps plus a stipend for books, supplies, and transportation.

How much does TheDream.US National Scholarship pay?

For a bachelor's degree the scholarship covers tuition and fees up to $33,000, along with up to $6,000 for books, supplies, and transportation. Associate degree students can receive up to $8,250 for tuition and fees with the same $6,000 stipend cap.

When is TheDream.US National Scholarship deadline for 2027?

The 2026-27 National Scholarship round opens November 1, 2026 and closes February 28, 2027. Notifications go out in late April 2027.

Can DACA recipients apply for TheDream.US National Scholarship?

Yes. The program serves first-generation immigrant students with or without DACA or TPS who meet arrival, residency, GPA, financial need, and Partner College enrollment requirements.

Can Pell Grant eligible students get TheDream.US National Scholarship?

No. TheDream.US designed the National Scholarship for students with significant unmet need who are not receiving and are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant.

Which colleges accept TheDream.US National Scholarship?

You must enroll at a National Scholarship Partner College, usually a public institution where you qualify for in-state tuition in your home state. Private, online, and Texas partners follow separate lists and rules published on thedream.us.

Is TheDream.US National Scholarship renewable?

Yes. The award renews each year through completion of your associate or bachelor's degree as long as you remain eligible and submit the June renewal materials.

What GPA do you need for TheDream.US National Scholarship?

You need at least a 2.5 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale, or a 2.5 cumulative college GPA if you already earned post-secondary credits. TheDream.US also weighs community service and commitment despite daily barriers.

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