Texas DREAM Act Rollback Leaves UT Austin Students Scrambling for Tuition Aid

With the onset of the fall semester at the University of Texas at Austin, undocumented students are confronting significant increases in tuition as the state’s DREAM Act has been rolled back. The deadline to confirm attendance and pay tuition is approaching on August 14, prompting some students to seek funds to secure their enrollment urgently.

Earlier this year, the DREAM Act faced a significant challenge as the U.S. Department of Justice initiated a lawsuit that called into question its constitutionality, particularly regarding the provision that enables eligible undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. Without that safeguard, numerous individuals now bear the burden of out-of-state tuition fees.

The tuition landscape reveals a stark contrast: in-state residents face a minimum fee of $1,500, while out-of-state students are required to pay $5,000. However, undocumented undergraduates like Mariel, who prefers to keep her last name private, will face significantly greater expenses for the upcoming semester. 

Mariel learned on Thursday that her projected fall bill is approximately $23,000.

“It’s certainly a wild ride,” Mariel remarked. “I’ve been discussing it with my parents, and it turns out I wasn’t fully aware of the total cost involved.” Mariel has reached out to multiple organizations for financial support. 

While one application was denied, she remains hopeful as she awaits a response from the Rooted Collective, an organization dedicated to supporting affected students through a GoFundMe initiative.

Victoria, a member of the Rooted Collective who requested anonymity, stated that the group is focusing on the needs of incoming seniors. “We’ve been in a bit of a frenzy,” she remarked. “While we understand that full tuition coverage may not be feasible, we are committed to enrolling our students, particularly our graduating seniors.”

Students face a critical situation, as those unable to meet payment requirements may jeopardize their enrollment at UT Austin. Mariel is anxious about the possibility of having to depart before finishing her degree if she is unable to obtain sufficient financial assistance.

“If it can’t be done, then it can’t be done, and I’ll have to explore other options,” she stated. “I must find a solution.”

You can contribute to the Rooted Collective's GoFundMe page to support undocumented UT students struggling with rising tuition costs.