Because undocumented students have limited access to financial aid, they often have to rely on private student loans or scholarships to pay for college. As a general rule, students should seek gift aid like grants and scholarships before relying on student loans to reduce the cost of their education and minimize debt.  Checking to see if you qualify for state funding is the first step in covering education costs. Many undocumented students also rely on scholarships and grants to fund their education. There are a variety of funding programs geared specifically towards students who are undocumented, students of color, first-generation students, and many other demographics.  Immigrant Rising provides an annual list of scholarships and fellowships for undocumented students. TheDream.US is another useful resource for undocumented students looking for scholarships and partners with different colleges to better support Dreamers. Individual colleges and universities also often provide additional resources and funding. Check with the colleges you want to attend to see what options are available for you. Once students have used all available scholarships, grants, and other gift aid, they can use private student loans to finance the rest of their education. While undocumented individuals can still take out private loans, their loan providers may require them to have a co-signer who is a U.S. citizen. Fixed-rate private student loans are generally a better option than variable-rate loans, whose interest rates can fluctuate unpredictably.