If you’re a student at Ohio University and something unexpected wrecks your budget, there’s a fund built specifically for that, and it doesn’t need to be repaid.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The Student Emergency Fund offers microgrants of up to $500 per academic year.
What Can the Money Cover?
This fund is meant for real emergencies, not everyday expenses. It can help with things like medical or dental bills, essential utilities, food, textbooks lost to a disaster, temporary housing, childcare, vehicle needs to get to class or work, and replacing belongings lost to theft or a natural disaster.
It does not cover tuition, legal fees, parking tickets, study abroad costs, fraternity or sorority dues, credit card debt, laptops, regular rent, or entertainment expenses.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible, you need to be:
- Currently enrolled at least half-time (6 to 12 credit hours); AND
- Facing immediate financial hardship from an emergency or unexpected critical incident; AND
- In good academic standing; AND
- Willing to have a FAFSA on file, or complete one; AND
- Someone who has already looked into other financial resources first, like loans, personal funds, or family assistance, and needs documentation showing that financial need. Student loans are NOT required for assistance.
You will be expected to provide documentation of your financial need.
How Do You Apply?
You apply through an online application. Applications are reviewed weekly, and processing can take up to two weeks. Approved funds go out by direct deposit or mailed check.
Relief Recap
This is exactly the kind of short-term, one-time emergency fund that can keep a single bad month from turning into a dropped semester. 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.
