More than 408,000 illegal immigrants are enrolled in US colleges and universities, with many receiving in-state tuition and financial aid benefits that are denied to out-of-state American students. Despite laws prohibiting such policies, 25 states offer in-state tuition rates to illegal immigrants, and 20 provide additional financial assistance.

The Supreme Court’s 1982 Plyler v. Doe ruling played a role in shaping today’s policies, establishing that illegal immigrant children could attend public K-12 schools. While this decision did not extend to higher education, it has influenced states to adopt policies making it easier for illegal immigrants to attend college.

The financial burden of these policies falls largely on American taxpayers. Students who are in the country illegally benefit from discounts and aid programs while citizens from neighboring states must pay full tuition. In Texas, the state’s version of the DREAM Act allows illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition, a benefit unavailable to out-of-state US citizens.

Undocumented students are concentrated in a handful of states, with California, Texas, Florida, and New York accounting for most enrollments. These states, along with New Jersey, continue to expand benefits, despite ongoing debates over the legality of their policies.

While some states restrict illegal immigrants from receiving benefits, legal challenges to in-state tuition for noncitizens have largely failed. Courts have ruled that US citizens cannot sue over these policies, leaving many parents frustrated that their children must pay significantly higher tuition than noncitizens.

Universities continue to present these policies as acts of inclusion, but the financial incentives behind them are clear. Higher education institutions receive government funding for every student enrolled, including illegal immigrants, allowing them to profit while taxpayers foot the bill.