Emergency Funds
Recognizing that unforeseen financial emergencies will occur, Penn State Harrisburg has emergency assistance funds that may help you remain in school to achieve your academic goals. If you are experiencing a specific financial need because of an emergency or crisis, emergency funding can provide temporary support when critically needed. Students facing challenges with access to adequate food, stable housing, affording educational expenses, or meeting other basic needs may be eligible. Emergency funds cannot cover tuition, fees, or dues.
The Dr. Omid Ansary Student Emergency Assistance Fund and the Basic Needs Assistance Fund are to assist with extraordinary and unexpected financial hardships. Example covered expenses could include: educational costs, medical, housing, food. The first step in receiving assistance or support is by submitting the Basic Needs Request form.
After you submit a Basic Needs Request Form a Student Advocacy case manager will review every submission and send instructions on how to meet with a case manager. After the discussion, the Offices of Student Aid and Student Advocacy collaborate to determine the best course of action for students.
Potential recipients are encouraged to demonstrate good faith towards their education by utilizing available funds first (i.e. loans) or be prepared to explain why other funding sources are not a viable option.
In order to be considered for emergency funding, the following criteria must be met:
- Must be currently enrolled, continuing enrollment, or planning to enroll in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree-seeking program (including summer and break periods).
- Must have immediate hardship (not anticipated).
- Must not have exceeded the established Cost of Attendance (Financial Aid maximum) for the semester and/or academic year.
Cost of Attendance limits are established by the University in accordance with Federal law. Your unique Cost of Attendance can be found on the financial aid summary of your Lionpath account. Questions regarding your limit can be directed to the Office of Student Aid. - Must submit a Basic Needs Request Form and be prepared to provide supporting documents (bills, estimates, statement, etc).
- Must be able to provide an estimate for requested expense.
Emergency funds are designed to be a short-term lift, not a recurring financial plan. Recurring assistance may be denied. Our goal is to help students through a difficult situation while developing a sustainable plan.
Please note a submission is not a guarantee of available funds or an award will be made.
If you need help - or have questions about your unique needs - reach out for support. We are available to assist you, and there is no judgment from Penn State if you are experiencing hardship.