If you’re a graduate student at Cornell and an unexpected crisis just blew up your budget, the Graduate School runs an emergency fund built specifically for situations like that.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The Emergency Fund Program offers grants of up to $500 to help offset emergency costs that can’t be covered any other way.
What Can the Money Cover?
This fund is meant for short-term, one-time crises, not ongoing expenses.
It can help with emergency travel related to a family crisis or death, temporary housing after a displacement like a fire or flood, replacing stolen or damaged items, and emergency medical or dental costs not covered by insurance.
It does not cover tuition, standard living expenses, technology purchases, conference fees, moving costs, or debt repayment.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you need to be:
- Currently enrolled for the semester in a degree program through Cornell’s Graduate School (research or professional degree); AND
- In good academic standing with no bursar holds; AND
- Not currently on a leave of absence
How Do You Apply?
You apply through an online application form. Decisions are typically made within seven business days of your application being received.
Relief Recap
Graduate students often fall outside the reach of undergraduate-focused emergency funds, and this one exists specifically to fill that gap. If you’re a low income student looking for more ways to fund your education, our master list of scholarships for low income students is a great next stop.
