First Generation Plus Success Center

Providing support and resources for students who identify as first generation, undocumented, former foster youths, and transfer students.

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Undocumented & DACAmented Students

Undocumented & DACAmented Students

The FG+SC is here for you. We look forward to helping you feel supported and at-home. Come grab a snack, enjoy a cup of coffee, recharge before your next study session, visit our immigration attorney during drop-in hours, and join us for our FG+SC programs geared towards undocumented and DACAmented students.

The First Generation Plus Success Center staff seeks to provide access to resources for undocumented students regardless of income, cultural background, or residency status.

Campus Resources

  • Career Center
    The USC Career Center supports your diverse identities and experiences, regardless of your immigration status. Throughout your time at USC, you will explore your interests and passions to navigate your path forward. These resources will help guide your career interests while at USC and beyond.
  • Admissions
    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.
  • Financial Aid
    Undocumented undergraduate students may qualify for financial aid. Applicants who identify as undocumented should submit the following documents to begin their financial aid application.
    • CSS Profile
    • 2022 Tax Return (for academic year 2024-25)
    • 2023 Tax Return (for academic year 2025-24)
    • Affidavit of Immigration Status
    • California residents will also be asked to complete the CSAC Dream Grant application requirements. Once your initial documents are received, the financial aid office may request additional information before determining your eligibility for aid.
  • Basic Requirements for Need-Based Financial Aid
    All applicants to USC can apply for financial aid if they:
    • Are a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen such as a permanent resident, refugee or asylee;
    • Are an undocumented student who meets California Dream Act requirements or has Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status;
    • Possess a valid Social Security number (if required); and
    • Meet all published deadlines and submit any additional requested information in a timely manner. Applicants who miss published deadlines may be considered for reduced funds.
  • Financial Aid
    Undocumented undergraduate students may qualify for financial aid. Applicants who identify as undocumented should submit the following documents to begin their financial aid application
    • CSS Profile
    • 2021 Tax Return (for academic year 2023-24)
    • 2022 Tax Return (for academic year 2024-25)
    • Affidavit of Immigration Status
    • California residents will also be asked to complete the CSAC Dream Grant application requirements. Once your initial documents are received, the financial aid office may request additional information before determining your eligibility for aid.
  • Embedded Therapist
    Undocumented students may set up an appointment with our the FG+SC’s embedded counselor at no cost. Find steps to schedule an appointment with our embedded counselor here.
  • Cultural Centers and Culturally-Affirming Lounges
    The FG+SC embraces the fact that undocumented students come from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Undocumented students of all backgrounds are welcomed and can count on the support of staff and community members at all of our SEIP Cultural Centers.
    • Asian Pacific American Student Services (APASS)
      APASS has a two-fold mission: to facilitate APIDA participation, dialogue, community-building, and empowerment, while at the same time, to serve as a source of cross-cultural educational programming for the entire campus.
      Instagram: @uscapass
    • Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA)
      The Center for Black Cultural and Student Affairs (CBCSA) provides intentional, holistic, scholarly and co-curricular programming designed to strengthen the understanding of Black diasporic heritage. We enhance the academic, cultural, leadership and social development of the entire USC community.
      Instagram: @usc_cbcsa
    • Latinx/Chicanx Center for Advocacy and Student Affairs (La CASA)
      Established in 1972, La CASA provides empowerment through cultural identity, leadership and social consciousness development, as well as community building for undergraduate and graduate students at USC.
      La CASA strives to educate the campus about Latinx issues and the ethnic diversity represented within the community (i.e. Central & South America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico), by offering programs and services that focus on intersectionality.
      Instagram: @lacasadeusc
    • LGBTQ+ Student Center
      The LGBTQ+ Student Center is a cultural advocacy center that provides support, education, advocacy, and community for undergrad & grad students at USC. The LGBTQ+SC welcomes students from across the gender and sexual identity spectra and is dedicated to providing support & programming for all the intersectionality of identities within the university’s diverse community.
      Instagram: @usclgbtqplus
    • Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Lounge
      The Middle Eastern North African Student Lounge facilitates a space that helps to educate, support and build community for MENA-identifying students and all those interested to express themselves culturally. The MENA lounge allows for students to create connections, a sense of belonging, acceptance and well being for all students
      Instagram: @uscmenalounge
    • Native American Pasifika (NAP) Lounge
      The Native American and Pasifika Lounge provides a space for identifying students as well as all who are interested to explore Native American and Pasifika identities that have ancestral land, federally recognized or not. The NAP Lounge provides a space where conversations about the Native and Pasifika experience are welcome, culture is celebrated, and knowledge about the Native and Pasifika identity is shared. 
      Instagram: @usc_napl
    • Student Basic Needs
      Our vision is to ensure student well-being through food, housing, and economic justice. Through this website, you will find resources and services on- and off-campus that you may utilize. Staff, faculty, and students can learn about on-going research and programs that impact students across California, and be up-to-date on new initiatives and events around campus addressing how USC is striving for a basic needs secure community. 
      Instagram: @uscbasicneeds
    • Veterans Resource Center
      The VRC enhances the individual and academic success of veterans, service members, and their families. The Veterans Resource Center is committed to supporting the veteran community in the areas of higher education, academic success, graduation, career development, and wellbeing. The center offers opportunities to excel academically through services like a study space and computer stations.
      Instagram: @uscvrc

Legal Resources

There are several places at USC that provide resources and support to our Undocumented Student population. Click below to learn more about these opportunities and resources offered:

Student Government & Registered Student Organizations

Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is the official governing body of undergraduate students at the University of Southern California. We are a driven, diverse group of students passionate to improve the undergraduate experience for all Trojans.

  • Email: usg@usc.edu
  • Instagram: @uscusg

Graduate Student Government (GSG) is the official governing body of graduate students at the University of Southern California. The GSG mission is to enhance USC’s graduate and professional student experience by serving as the face of the graduate student body.

  • Email: gsgpres@usc.edu
  • Instagram: @uscgsg

IDEAS at USC (Improving Dreams, Equality, Access, and Success) was founded in Spring 2011 in order to create a safe space and positive dialogue among undocumented students (DREAMers) and allies. This student organization is focused on student needs, concerns, and challenges of the undocumented student communities.

Off-Campus Resources

Research