Guide to Emergency Grants for College Students

Rebecca SafierUpdated January 6, 2025

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Running out of money as a college student can be stressful and difficult. A 2024 study found that 61% of students said the stress of funding their education negatively impacted their academic performance. And 57% said they had to choose between college expenses and basic needs like food and clothing.If you find yourself in need of assistance, you might be able to access emergency student grants to help you through the year. There are a number of different types of emergency grants for college students, from emergency food options to housing assistance to help with tuition costs.

What Are Emergency Grants for Students?

Emergency grants are funds for students with financial need to help them pay for tuition, food, housing, or other living expenses. They’re reserved for students who are facing financial hardship, whether due to job loss, unexpected medical bills, or another reason. Many colleges maintain emergency funds for students in need. If you run into financial hardship, reach out to your financial aid office to see if it can help. You might also find scholarships from organizations like UNCF or Scholarship America.

How Do Emergency Grants for Students Work?

The American Rescue Plan provided almost $40 billion in funding to colleges and universities to use on emergency grants for students. Each individual college is responsible for determining how to allocate the funds, but they’re required to spend at least half on student grants.The amount each college or university received was largely proportional to how many Pell Grant recipients it had. The Pell Grant is a federal grant for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Colleges distribute these grants to qualifying students, who may use them on supplies, food, housing, healthcare, and childcare. Students in need might also apply for emergency grants from nonprofits or other organizations that provide emergency funding to students in need. Unlike loans, students do not have to pay back grants or scholarships. However, they may need to meet specific guidelines to qualify or spend the grant money on certain designated expenses.

Types of Emergency Grants for College Students

There are some specific types of emergency grants you might be able to access.

Emergency Food Options for Students

If you’re struggling with food insecurity, reach out to your school’s financial aid and student affairs offices to find out about your options. Some schools offer free meal plans, food pantries, or food vouchers. Along with food, school pantries may also provide cleaning and hygiene products. The Education Department also expanded benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in early 2021. You can use SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food at authorized food stores. Students who are enrolled at least half-time can access SNAP benefits if they:

Are eligible to participate in a work-study program (state or federal)
Have an expected family contribution of $0 in the current school year

Housing Assistance for Students

If you can qualify for an emergency grant from your school, you might be able to use it on housing costs. It’s also worth reaching out to your school’s housing or student affairs office to find out about its options for housing assistance or an emergency residency program. Some schools set aside dorm rooms for students in crisis or allow vulnerable students to stay on campus during school breaks.

Emergency Tuition Assistance

If you need help covering your tuition bill, your financial aid office might be able to help with an emergency grant. As mentioned, schools received billions in funding from the federal government to help out students with financial need.

The Takeaway

Financial insecurity can force students to withdraw from classes and leave school before finishing their degree. If you run into financial hardship, you might have other options. The federal government has provided billions in funding to colleges and universities and instructed them to use at least half for emergency grants for students. Speak with your financial aid office to see what financial assistance it can offer. It’s also worth exploring scholarship and grant organizations to see what they provide for students who have run into financial hardship. From cash grants to dining hall vouchers to school food pantries, you might be able to find the support you need to finish out the school year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money are emergency grants for students?

What are emergency grants for college students?

How can you apply for emergency grants for students?

iStock/Xavier Lorenzo

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About the Author

Rebecca Safier

Rebecca Safier has nearly a decade of experience writing about personal finance. Formerly a senior writer with LendingTree and Student Loan Hero, she specializes in student loans, financial aid, and personal loans. She is certified as a student loan counselor with the National Association of Certified Credit Counselors (NACCC).

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