Arrupe College Bridges the Gap for Undocumented Students
Undocumented students in the United States face extra hurdles in applying to and attending higher education institutions. Many don’t qualify for the same level of state and federal aid, and some schools won’t accept undocumented individuals at all.
Valeria is an Arrupe alumna from the class of 2020. Her journey echoes the struggles faced by many undocumented students. Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Chicago, Valeria did well in school but didn’t think she could afford—or be accepted into—college. Then a teacher told her about Arrupe College, a new college within Loyola University Chicago that might be accessible for her.
“I couldn’t apply for FAFSA because I’m undocumented,” she said. “My teacher told me this new school was giving out a lot of financial help to make degrees feasible for people in my situation.”
One of the driving principles behind Arrupe College, the school where Come to Believe’s model was first developed, is to make college affordable, ensuring that students like Valeria graduate with little or no debt.
Beyond financial aid, Valeria was drawn to Arrupe because of its holistic approach to admissions. The college didn't just welcome students; it embraced their families. Admissions officers took the time to guide Valeria's parents through the process, giving them a sense of belonging within the larger Arrupe community. This wrap-around support later led to both of her sisters also deciding to attend Arrupe. One is now a student at Loyola, and the other is a freshman at Arrupe.
For Valeria, attending Arrupe was life-changing. She not only found a second home and met close friends, but she also developed deep relationships with faculty and staff. She got involved in student government, eventually becoming Class President. If she ever struggled with a class, she knew she could turn to her advisor, professors or peers to get the academic support she needed.
“Arrupe is truly like no other college, with the amount of help they give their students,” she said. “The staff wants what’s best for you and will tell you when you’re slipping up. I felt cared for, but also challenged.”
Now a graduate of Loyola University Chicago, Valeria is currently focusing on staying home with her new daughter. But in the future, she plans to enroll in law school to pursue a passion for social justice—a passion that she credits to attending Arrupe.
“Arrupe made sure we were proud of where we came from and accepted for who we are,” she said. “This made me and my peers driven to do more—not just for ourselves, but also for our community.”
