Student Emergency Funds

Student Success Funds (emergency funds) are available to students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to temporary hardship related to an unforeseen incident or emergency. Student Success Funds are given by donors to ensure students can stay enrolled in classes. Students must meet specific requirements to qualify for these funds and must have exhausted all other financial resources (financial aid, third-party loans, etc.)

How the Fund Operates

• Auburn Cares partners with University Financial Aid to review submitted applications and determine any available funding source and amount. Students may be required to provide additional documentation as part of the application process. Auburn Cares and University Financial Aid consider existing financial aid in determining any award. All awards of emergency funds are paid through the student’s Bursar’s account. Distribution and processing of funds can up to 5 business days. Student Emergency Funds are a one-time resource.

Eligibility Requirements

• Student must have an unforeseen and immediate financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident or other unexpected incident.
• The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen and urgent.
• The expense must directly impact the student’s ability to stay enrolled in classes.
• Student must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing.
• All other resources, including third-party loans, must have been exhausted.
• Student must have remaining need based on the current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Student must be able to provide sufficient documentation of financial hardship.

Types of Expenses that May Be Covered

• Books or other academic expenses
• Personal safety needs (e.g., changing a lock)
• Replacement of essential personal belongings due to a natural disaster, fire, theft or other unforeseen circumstance
• Car repairs
• Travel costs related to the death of an immediate family member

Types of Expenses that are Typically Not Covered

Ongoing expenses related to tuition, rent, medication, etc., are typically not covered by Student Emergency Funds. Exceptions may be made if the student requests emergency funds during the semester they are graduating.

How to Apply

These funds are available at any time by completing the application below. Applications are reviewed during normal business hours.

Student Emergency Fund Application

EBSCO Grants

Auburn Cares partners with EBSCO Industries in Birmingham to distribute grants to Alabama residents who are experiencing financial issues that impact their ability to stay enrolled in classes. Students who meet criteria for EBSCO Grants are identified by University Financial Aid and contacted directly by Auburn Cares staff. EBSCO Grants are awarded during fall and spring semesters.

My Family's Financial Situation has Changed

If a student or their family are experiencing extreme changes in their financial situation (i.e., loss of job, medical expenses, separation/divorce, etc.), the student can submit a request for their FAFSA to be adjusted to reflect their current situation.

Students who want to submit an adjusted FAFSA should go to the University Financial Aid website and complete a Student Family Contribution Appeal form.