FLC is committed to our undocumented students

We are committed to creating a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment for all, including students who have immigrated here, with or without documentation.

We comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, protecting the privacy of our students, including information about immigration and citizenship status.

Applying for admission as an undocumented student

Navigating the college application process is more complicated for students who lack residency status in the US.

If you have questions or need assistance en español, please call El Centro at 970-247-7290. The office is open between August 1 and May 15. During the summer, please email the Admission Office at admission@fortlewis.edu or call 970-247-7055.

Financial aid for undocumented students

Under the Colorado ASSET bill, undocumented students who qualify for in-state tuition are eligible for State of Colorado financial aid and need-based institutional aid.

ASSET students fill out the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid, or CAFSA, not the FAFSA application, for financial aid at Fort Lewis College.

Apply for the CASFA

Financial aid counselors are available by phone or in-person, Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., for help completing this application. The Office of Financial Aid is located in 101 Skyhawk Station, 1-800-352-7512.

Resources for immigrant students

Colorado Legal Services

Unless the victim of a crime or domestic abuse, clients must have lawful immigration status to receive assistance from CLS.

Common areas of civil law the CLS Durango office can assist with:

  • Family Law: Domestic Violence issues, temporary or permanent, protection orders, dissolutions, custody and child support.
  • Housing Rights and Homelessness: Public and subsidized housing evictions, foreclosures, landlord/tenant disputes and legal issues of the homeless.
  • Public Benefits Issues: Social Security, welfare, disability benefits, food stamps, child care and unemployment compensation.
  • Consumer Issues: Bankruptcy, debt collection, public utility shutoffs, the Low Income Energy Assistance Program, and other consumer issues.

Visit CLS

Phone: 970-247-0266 
835 East 2nd Ave, Suite 300, Durango CO 81301

Los Compañeros

Los Compañeros is the Four Corners' Immigrant Resource Center:

  • Constitutional and workers' rights education
  • Support in accessing interpretative, detention and enforcement procedures, legal help, self-sufficiency, citizenship and immigration issues
  • Tax assistance
  • Volunteer opportunities and collaboration with community groups

Visit Los Compañeros

Phone: 970-375-9406

FLC TRIO Student Success Center

Services include: tutoring, graduate school exploration, general financial guidance, holistic and individualized coaching.

Visit TRIO

Phone: 970-247-7692
3rd floor, Reed Library, Fort Lewis College

FLC El Centro De Muchos Colores

Provides information, workshops, and individual attention for documented and undocumented immigrant students. During the academic year, the El Centro coordinator is available to explain resources available on and off campus, although the Coordinator is unable to provide legal advice. To the extent permitted by law, confidentiality is guaranteed.

Visit El Centro

Phone: 970-247-7654
Room 40, Student Union, Fort Lewis College

The Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network

For adults in immigration detention and for immigrant children who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or violence.

Visit RMIAN

Phone: 303-433-2812
Hotline for detained individuals & family members: 303-866-9308