Office of Student Life
Student Advocacy Center

Student Emergency Fund

The Ohio State University provides emergency financial assistance to students who may otherwise be at risk of dropping out of college due to an unexpected, unplanned financial emergency. We are accepting applications from students enrolled in classes (Autumn 2024, current session) and may award up to $1,000 to eligible students. Resources are limited and students may only receive funding one time. We cannot assist with university expenses like tuition or student health insurance, and we cannot assist students who have an outstanding balance with the University.

What Is a Financial Emergency?

  • Eviction
  • Utility shut-off
  • Car repair that will prevent you from traveling to campus
  • Food insecurity
  • Past-due medical bills
  • Other needs considered on a case-by-case basis

 

Eligibility

  • Students must be enrolled in the current term/session and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 when completing the application.
  • Tuition must be paid for the term (students cannot have an outstanding/overdue balance).
  • This year's FAFSA (24/25) must be on file and the Student Aid Index (SAI) cannot exceed 10,000.
  • The student must have utilized already-awarded financial aid (loans, grants, etc.).
  • Students must include documentation reflecting their financial emergency clearly showing both the student's name and the exact cost of the expense(s). (A copy of a lease, a utility bill, auto repair bill are examples of appropriate documentation.)
  • Students enrolled in online-only and non-degree granting programs (such as Continuing Education) are not eligible for funding.
  • Students may only receive emergency funding one time.

 

Application Process

  • Questions  If you have questions, please contact us by email advocacyemergencyfund@osu.edu or by phone (614) 292-1111 to set-up a phone conference.
  • Application  Please complete the Student Emergency Fund application and submit all appropriate documentation.
  • Email Communication  After the application is reviewed, the student will receive a message via their OSU email account notifying them of the outcome within 3-5 days. If approved, the message will also include how much funding will be awarded.
  • Award Decision  After the application is reviewed, the student will receive an email within 3-5 business days notifying them of the outcome. If approved, the message will also include how much funding has been awarded.
  • Payment  The university works diligently to process funding as quickly as possible. Awards will be applied directly to the student's Statement of Account. If the student is not already signed up for direct deposit, please follow the instructions to set up direct deposit.
  • Financial Education Training  To help prevent financial emergencies in the future, Ohio State is committed to providing all students with the opportunity for free financial coaching from Scarlet and Gray Financial at the Student Life Student Wellness Center. All recipients of emergency funding are expected to attend training after their immediate emergency is resolved.

If you are an active F-1 or J-1 international student, please contact the Office of International Affairs at iss@osu.edu for grant information through the Office of International Affairs.

 

Please note:  Information submitted will be used to determine eligibility. It may be shared with other university offices that have a need to know for purposes of reviewing and processing this request, and/or to comply with university policy or law.

Questions?  For more information about student emergency funding, contact the Student Life Student Advocacy Center by e-mail advocacyemergencyfund@osu.edu or by phone (614) 292-1111.