Student Emergency Fund

Student Emergency Fund at AU

The Student Emergency Fund provides limited emergency financial support to currently enrolled students who are unable to meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship. Average award amounts range from $25-$500 per student and are typically only awarded once. Decisions regarding disbursement of funds are made on a case-by-case basis. Awards are not considered loans and do not require repayment. Some funds may be considered income and are therefore subject to federal taxes.

Students Walking on Campus Fall 2023

Covered Expenses

Expenses considered for funding include, but are not limited to:  

  • Medication or prescription expenses
  • Food groceries 
  • Child care
  • Immediate replacement of belongings lost in a fire or natural disaster
  • Safety related needs (i.e. changing locks, short term emergency shelter)
  • Travel cost related to a death or illness in the immediate family

Expenses not covered include, but are not limited to:

  • Tuition, fees, health insurance and study abroad costs
  • Non-essential utilities (i.e. cable), household or furniture costs not related to damage or theft.
  • Rent
  • Parking tickets
  • Costs for entertainment, recreation, non-emergency travel or other non-essential expenses
  • Regularly anticipated fixed expenses

Eligibility Requirements

Students seeking financial assistance should be currently enrolled and able to provide documentation of their financial hardship. Students seeking assistance during summer sessions who are not enrolled but are registered for semester courses may qualify for alternative forms of assistance.

Resources

The Student Emergency Fund is made possible through the generous donations of Augustana parents, alumni, faculty and staff.