Regardless of your age and life stage, unexpected bills can derail someone’s finances. Unforeseen events can be particularly challenging for college students who don’t have much wiggle room in their budgets.
If you’re a student who’s experiencing financial hardship — or you’re just worried about how to prepare for a rainy day — be assured that help is available to students in need. Emergency financial aid grants are designed to keep students in college through financial setbacks.
We’ll review your options, and the pros and cons of each, so you can feel ready to take on any situation.
Key Points
• Emergency grants for college students provide financial relief for unexpected expenses like medical treatments, job loss, or technology replacement.
• Multiple emergency grant programs remain available to support college students facing sudden financial challenges, even though the federal HEERF program has ended.
• Resources like Achieve Atlanta, UNCF, Scholarship America, and various colleges provide targeted financial aid, with grants typically ranging from $500 to $1,000 to help students stay enrolled during times of hardship.
• Colleges and universities may offer additional emergency support such as tuition assistance, food pantries, and temporary housing.
• Private student loans are available if federal aid and emergency grants are insufficient to cover all educational expenses.
Why You Might Urgently Need More Money as a Student
Students are familiar with seeking financial aid to help pay for tuition, school supplies, and other educational costs. However, some expenses aren’t covered by scholarships and student loans.
Emergency financial aid for college students can help cover the cost of:
• Medical treatments
• Job loss
• Rent increases
• Financial hardship due to COVID-19
• Replacement technology, such as a laptop or phone
• Car repairs
• Loss of athletic scholarship due to injury
• Loss of child care services
Some of these costs are fairly common, while others affect only a small percentage of students. The common thread: They’re all unpredictable and financially challenging.
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Emergency Grants Available for College Students
Several emergency grant programs are available to assist college students facing unexpected financial hardships. While the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) has concluded, numerous institutions and organizations continue to offer support, including:
• Achieve Atlanta Emergency Grants: Provides financial assistance to students experiencing unforeseen emergencies that could impact their ability to remain enrolled in school.
• UNCF Emergency Student Aid: Offers “just-in-time” grants up to $1,000 for students at risk of dropping out due to financial hardships like medical bills or car repairs.
• Scholarship America Emergency Aid: Administers emergency financial assistance programs in partnership with various organizations to support students facing financial barriers.
• College Success Foundation Emergency Fund: Provides emergency grants up to $500 per academic year to help students overcome unexpected financial challenges.
• Institution-Specific Programs: Many colleges and universities, such as Chattahoochee Technical College and Kennesaw State University, offer emergency assistance funds to support students dealing with unforeseen financial difficulties.
In addition to the above opportunities, students are encouraged to contact their school’s financial aid office or student affairs department to inquire about available emergency grant programs and application procedures.
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Financial Support From Your College
Other emergency college grants and support programs can be discovered through your school. These include:
Emergency Tuition Assistance
Emergency tuition assistance is designed to help students stay enrolled in school when they’re suddenly unable to cover the cost of attendance. Assistance might be in the form of a grant, scholarship, voucher, or other relief.
If you’re at risk of dropping out of school because an emergency is making it hard to pay your school bills, ask your financial aid office about emergency tuition assistance.
Emergency Food Options
Inflation is making it harder for everyone to pay for groceries. If you’re experiencing food insecurity, ask your student affairs office about campus food pantries.
This resource can offer non-perishable goods, like dry pasta, legumes, and canned foods, as well as fresh produce and even basic toiletries.
Emergency Housing
Although not many schools have dedicated emergency housing options for their students, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Reach out to your school’s student affairs department to inquire about short-term emergency housing programs that might be available.
If your school doesn’t offer emergency housing, they might point you to external resources, such as local nonprofits and community groups.
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Private Student Loans
If you’ve already maximized the federal undergraduate loans or graduate loans you’re eligible for, a private student loan is an alternative financing option. Private student loans are offered by private lenders, like banks, credit unions, and online financial institutions.
This type of student loan can cover an amount up to the certified cost of attendance, minus the financial aid you’ve already received. Private loans can have fixed or variable interest rates, with rates and terms varying by lender. Keep in mind, though, that private student loans don’t have the same borrower benefits as federal student loans, like loan forgiveness and income-driven repayment, so tread carefully.
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The Takeaway
If you’re a student who’s struggling financially due to an unexpected expense or event, help is available. Reach out to your school affairs or financial aid office, explain your situation, and learn about emergency financial aid grants.
If you’ve exhausted all federal student aid options, no-fee private student loans from SoFi can help you pay for school. The online application process is easy, and you can see rates and terms in just minutes. Repayment plans are flexible, so you can find an option that works for your financial plan and budget.
FAQ
What are emergency grants for college students
Emergency grants are short-term financial assistance provided to college students facing unexpected expenses that may disrupt their education, such as medical bills, housing insecurity, food shortages, or transportation issues. These grants typically do not need to be repaid.
Who is eligible for emergency grants?
Eligibility varies by program, but most emergency grants are available to currently enrolled students who demonstrate financial hardship due to unforeseen circumstances. Some may require proof of need or enrollment status.
Where can students apply for emergency grants?
Students can apply through their college’s financial aid office or student support services. National organizations like the UNCF, Achieve Atlanta, and Scholarship America also offer emergency grants that students can apply for online.
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