Getting Started
Undocumented Students
MCC values our students’ unique backgrounds, experiences, qualities, and challenges that contribute to the perspectives of our institution. We are glad to have you as part of our community.
We will assist you from your first step into MCC through graduation, regardless of your current status.
Talk to an expert on how
you can attend MCC
Maria Cardenas
Director of Admissions and Advising
¡Yo hablo español!
(970) 542-3169
[email protected]
Cottonwood 137
FAQS
Does MCC ask for immigration status when students enroll?
Morgan Community College is an open-door institution which allows any student to attend, regardless of citizenship. We do not ask for immigration status, but we ask about citizenship status. This helps determine your tuition. Undocumented, ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Economy Tomorrow), and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students should choose the “Non-U.S. Citizen” option on the application.
How does immigration status affect tuition?
Undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid, but may be eligible for Colorado state financial aid and/or in-state tuition, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
- In Colorado, students who meet Colorado residency requirements are eligible for in-state tuition regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
- Students who qualify for in-state tuition via ASSET legislation, are also able to receive the College Opportunity Fund (COF) stipend from the state of Colorado which helps reduce the cost of tuition.
Undocumented students may apply for scholarships, including scholarships awarded by the MCC Foundation.
Would MCC ever share immigration status with federal immigration officials?
In most cases, the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA) protects education records. We would only share information about immigration status if an official produces a legal order (subpoena or search warrant) to seek information on a student. We review all legal orders with our attorney before sharing documents.
What does MCC do to ensure that no student or family is discriminated against or harassed because of race, ethnicity, religion, or natural origin?
We believe deeply in diversity and inclusion. We don’t tolerate discrimination or harassment. Our policies mandate no discrimination or harassment of students, families, or employees based on race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, or many other protected classes.
What should I do if I believe I am the victim of discrimination or harassment?
Complete this online form. MCC will take necessary action.
What if I have or plan to apply for ASSET?
ASSET is a Colorado state law that allows some immigrant students to receive in-state tuition at Colorado public higher education institutions. It does not affect immigration status or lawful presence. ASSET cannot be rescinded by a president or federal administration in the same way DACA can.
What can I do to better understand my immigration rights?
Consult an immigration attorney. For your own protection, do not seek advice from anyone except licensed immigration attorneys. You can find an immigration attorney from the American Immigration Lawyers Association in English or Spanish.
Do similar policies apply to international students?
House Bill 19-1196, passed in May 2019, allows Colorado ASSET (Advancing Students for a Stronger Tomorrow) students to qualify for money to help pay for college. State aid, including grants, scholarships, and work-study funds, will help open the door to higher education for students who have attended high school in Colorado but who are not eligible for federal financial aid.
Immigration Resources in Colorado
Colorado Resources
Catholic Charities of Colorado – Immigration Services
Phone: (303) 742-0828 (Denver) / (970) 484-5010 (Fort Collins) / (970) 353-6433 (Greeley)
- Consultation Fee $50, by appointment only. Legal advice regarding immigration status, immigration issues, assistance with immigration applications, and information on becoming a legal permanent resident or citizen.
Phone: (970) 313-8800 (Greeley)
- Serves families in refugee communities and provides community outreach and education. Comprehensive access to education and systems navigation needs including ESL, citizenship, economic stability, health and nutrition.
Phone: (970) 370-2990 (Fort Morgan)
106 E. Kiowa Ave., Fort Morgan, CO 80701
- OneMorgan County fosters relationships among diverse people and organizations to strengthen the well-being, safety, and cohesive nature of the community.
Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network (Westminster)
Phone: (303) 433-2812 / Hotline for detained individuals and family members: (303) 866-9308
- Legal services for immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who are facing deportation at the GEO/ICE immigration detention center in Aurora, CO; free legal and support services for survivors of human trafficking and sex trafficking.
Colorado Public Charge Fact Sheets: Available in Spanish, Somali, and more. These documents are created by the state of Colorado and the may not be accessible. If you need help with these fact sheets please contact the Colorado Department of Human Services.
Additional Legal Resources
- Know Your Rights: The ACLU provides information on your rights if you are stopped by the police.
- Immi Legal Help has a search engine that allows you to get a list of all legal services near you.
- The American Immigration Lawyers Association has an online directory of attorneys.
- Immigration Law Help has a searchable online directory of over 1,000 free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal services providers in all 50 states.
- The National Immigrant Justice Center allows you to request a legal consultation online or by phone (312) 660-1370.
- The National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers Guild has a state-by-state online find-a-lawyer tool.
- The United States Department of Justice – Executive Office for Immigration Review provides information on how to find legal representation.
- United We Dream provides information on how to get help.
Disclaimer: The external links in this document are being provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by MCC of any of the services, information, or opinions in those links. MCC bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content.