JCCC values a diverse student body. It is an open-door institution which allows any student to attend.
Kansas action on undocumented immigrants
The State of Kansas has passed House Bill (HB) 2350 which takes effect July 1, 2023, which may have negative impact on undocumented people. Immigration advocates and attorneys are unsure of the impact of HB 2350. We urge you to seek qualified resources to learn more about this evolving situation.Topeka television station KSNT provides more information: https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/kansas-house-revives-human-smuggling-bill-goes-to-senate/
"Everywhere immigrants have enriched and strengthened the fabric of American life." - John F. Kennedy
How to Become a JCCC Student
In just three easy steps you can become a Cavalier!
Within 3 to 5 business days of applying to JCCC, you will receive an email which contains your 8-digit JCCC student ID number and provides information on how to log into your MyJCCC account. Once you receive this email, you will be able to proceed with completing the other admissions steps found below.
- You are from one of the countries listed on the TB country list, and/or
- You have ever had the BCG vaccine, and/or
- You tested positive in the past on a TB skin test yet you have never undergone a TB blood test
TB blood tests must be done at the Johnson County Health Department and results sent to the IISS office.
HB 2145 is a Kansas law that allows individuals who do not hold lawful status to receive the in-state tuition rate when they satisfy the criteria specified in the law.
You must meet the following HB 2145 requirements to qualify for in-state tuition rates.
1. Reside in Kansas for a minimum of six months prior to the first day of classes of the semester in which you intend to enroll, and
2. Submit a completed JCCC HB 2145 Affidavit form accompanied by transcripts and/or GED exam results verifying the following two criteria:
- Attendance at an accredited Kansas high school for three or more years (any grades 9-12), and
- Graduation from an accredited Kansas high school or a GED issued by Kansas.
High school transcripts and/or GED exam results need to be sent directly from the issuing institution to JCCC Admissions by email to jcccadmissions@jccc.edu or mailed to:
JCCC Admissions
Box 41
12345 College Blvd.
Overland Park, KS 66210
It is your responsibility to meet the requirements above and to ensure that all documents are received so that your tuition can be adjusted to in-state. After you have submitted all documents and completed your Admission Plan, contact the IISS office in COM 306.
***The deadline for meeting HB 2145 requirements for tuition adjustment is the first day of the semester you plan to attend. Failure to meet this deadline will mean you will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate. To avoid missing out on the tuition benefit of HB 2145, we highly recommend that you complete the HB 2145 requirements before the payment deadline of the semester you plan to attend. All documents are due the first day of the semester you plan to attend.***
High School Students - College Now
If you're in high school, you can take advantage of College Now to jump-start your college education.
The College Now program provides high school students the opportunity to earn college credits through concurrent enrollment while completing high school requirements.
Undocumented or DACA high school students pay out-of-state tuition.
See our tuition page for the most current rates.
JCCC has a limited amount of grant funds available for College Now students. To be considered, you must enroll and submit the grant application before the semester enrollment deadline. If awarded, the grant typically covers one class at the Johnson County resident tuition rate. See your high school counselor for more details and to apply.
If you will be attending JCCC after graduating from high school, you can apply for JCCC scholarships.
First-year students who have participated in either College Now or Quick Step courses, or a combination, can apply for the Central Bank of the Midwest High School Partner Scholarship.
To qualify, submit the online Scholarship Application.
Requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2.0 GPA or higher
- Be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours each semester at JCCC
This is a nonrenewable one-year scholarship opportunity.
You are encouraged to complete the Scholarship Application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming aid year by the priority deadline. Having the FAFSA on file opens more scholarship opportunities.
High school courses in your field of study may be applied toward a JCCC associate degree. The Early College Partnerships & Outreach program can help link your career-related classes from high school to the same or similar program at JCCC.
The Kansas State Senate passed Excel in CTE (formerly known as SB 155) in May 2012. This bill authorizes JCCC to waive the cost of tuition for high school students who meet JCCC Kansas residency requirements for enrollment in any tiered career technical course. Textbook, program fees and any other additional fees may apply.
To identify a course that qualifies for Excel in CTE:
- Go to the Credit Class Schedule search.
- Select a term (e.g., Credit Spring 2021).
- Use the "Advanced Search" link.
- Click in the "Attributes" field and choose "SB 155 Excel in CTE." Read more about Excel in CTE from the Kansas Board of Regents.
Information for Undocumented/DACA students (non-high school)
Ready to take the next step in your education? Here's some information about costs and how to get financial assistance.
JCCC allows Missouri residents who do not hold lawful status to receive metro tuition rate when they satisfy the following criteria:
- Reside in ZIP codes starting with 640 or 641 for a minimum of six months prior to the first day of classes in which you intend to enroll, and
- Submit a completed and notarized KC Metro Tuition Rate (MTR) Affidavit form accompanied by transcripts and/or GED exam results verifying the following two criteria:
- Attendance at an accredited Missouri high school for three or more years (any grades 9-12), and
- Graduation from an accredited Missouri high school or GED issued by Missouri.
High school transcripts and/or GED Exam results need to be sent directly from the issuing institution to JCCC Admissions by email to jcccadmissions@jccc.edu or mailed to:
JCCC Admissions
Box 41
12345 College Blvd
Overland Park, KS 66210
Complete the KC Metro Rate affidavit
It is your responsibility to meet the requirements above and to ensure that all documents are received so that your tuition can be adjusted to metro-rate. After you have submitted all documents and completed your Admission Plan, contact the IISS office in COM 306.
The deadline for meeting MTR requirements for tuition adjustment is the first day of the semester you plan to attend. Failure to meet this deadline will mean you will be charged the out-of-state tuition rate. To avoid missing out on the tuition benefit of MTR, we highly recommend that you complete the MTR requirements before the payment deadline of the semester you plan to attend. All documents are due the first day of the semester you plan to attend.
Undocumented and DACA recipients may receive scholarships at JCCC. Be sure to complete your JCCC Scholarship Application by applying through the Financial Aid scholarship portal.
Once you apply, don’t forget to watch your student email account for additional scholarship opportunities and notifications from the Financial Aid Office.
Below are scholarship resources you may want to consider. These scholarships and websites are separate from JCCC and you will proceed on your own.
- Immigrants Rising
- My (Un)documented Life
- 10,000 Degrees
- Scholarships A-Z Google Doc
- EduBirdie
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
- The Dream.US
- Higher Ed Immigration Portal
Please protect your personal information when pursuing funding and scholarships.
Currently, undocumented and DACA students are not eligible for federal aid. Federal aid includes Pell Grants, work study or FAFSA-dependent scholarships.
If you have questions about obtaining aid or scholarships or you have a mixed family status, contact Financial Aid. There may be some circumstances where you may file a FAFSA.
JCCC Resources
We have a lot of resources to help you succeed - from free tutoring to assistance in meeting basic needs.
The mission of the Student Basic Needs Center is to provide information and resources to combat hardships that adversely affect the ability of JCCC students to complete academic, professional and personal development objectives.
If you are experiencing food or housing insecurity, or other hardships, stop by COM 023 and visit with our helpful staff. If you know someone who needs a hand up, tell them about our services or come with them for support.
The Student Success Center is in the Student Center building, 2nd floor. Staff is ready to answer all your enrollment and college-related questions. You will be directed to a person who can help. Don’t be shy, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have!
External Resources
Here are some community resources which offer a variety services for you.
NOTE: JCCC has no connection with these outside resources. Their availability and services may change at any time.
Paying for medical and/or dental care can be a challenge, especially if you do not have insurance. Below are some clinics that offer medical and/or dental care on either a sliding scale or at minimal cost. It is best to call to inquire about eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for answers? Here some of the most common questions people ask.
Yes, JCCC is a public institution and status is not considered part of admission. You are welcome here! JCCC is committed to education and to those in our community, regardless of status.
JCCC asks about your status to calculate your tuition rate (the cost to enroll). For no other reason will anyone need to know, nor should they ask about your status. JCCC does not share your status document with anyone.
JCCC does not share student information unless legally required to do so. JCCC will not willingly give out your information unless required by law.
Yes, if you hold a valid employment authorization document (EAD), also called a work permit.
This question should be asked and reviewed with a qualified immigration attorney. It is generally not recommended that DACA or undocumented students travel. There may be a possibility to travel with advance parole, but this is highly complex and individualized.
In general, no. The very limited exception is related to your need for financial aid and calculation of your tuition rate.
What is DACA?
The DACA program was established in 2012 by President Barack Obama and allows undocumented individuals who entered the U.S. as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action, or protection from deportation. Undocumented students at JCCC may hold DACA status.
Undocumented:
An undocumented immigrant is a person who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States, who does not hold a current visa to reside in the U.S. and has not been approved for legal residency.
DACA or DACAmented:
A person who continues to be undocumented but qualifies for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA provides temporary relief from deportation. Recipients are issued a Social Security number and work authorization in increments of 2-3 years. The DACA recipient’s immigration status does not change and is not a pathway to citizenship (uLead Network, n.d.).
DACAmented:
This term is used by undocumented individuals who have been granted DACA. DACAmented (similar to DREAMer) is sometimes used as a way to navigate away from the negative connotations given to terms such as undocumented immigrant, non-U.S. citizen and so forth.
Mixed status:
An undocumented student’s household may include family members, especially younger siblings, who are U.S. citizens. The entire family unit may not be undocumented.
HB 2145:
Kansas’ in-state resident tuition (ISRT) policy in which eligible students must submit documentation that reflects three or more years of attendance at an accredited Kansas high school and graduation from an accredited Kansas high school or GED issued by Kansas (HB 2145, 2004).
Undocually:
The lifelong commitment to unlearn and relearn how to engage with marginalized individuals, i.e., the undocumented community.
Undocufriendly:
This term is used to refer to schools that have systems and practices in place that work with and for undocumented students. For example, a school that is inviting and public about their support for undocumented students and invests resources in its students by providing scholarships and programs is an undocufriendly school.
As a DACA holder, you can finish your education, work, get a driver’s license and a Social Security number. This helps build personal credit history. You may also be allowed to enter and exit the United States.
The U.S. federal government grants DACA status on a case-by-case basis. DACA is not a pathway toward residency or citizenship.
- Undocumented individuals entered the United States with a valid visa or status, but their immigration status expired
- They have applied for but were denied authorization to enter or remain in the United States
- They have not applied to obtain legal status that would permit them to remain in the United States
Undocumented people living in the U.S. must follow the application process and eligibility as stated by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) [PDF}.
- Were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Came to the U.S. before 16th birthday
- Have resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Were physically present in the U.S. on Jun 15, 2012,at the time of requesting deferred action from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained certification of high school or GED or are honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors
- Are at least 15 or older, unless involved in a removal proceeding or have a final removal or voluntary departure order
DREAM stands for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors. The DREAM act was bipartisan legislation proposed in 2001 to grant conditional residence to undocumented individuals who met established requirements. DREAMer is commonly used to describe undocumented individuals who are in the United States.