CU Emergency Fund

An Emergency Fund, administered through the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment (FASE), has been established to assist currently enrolled students with urgent, unanticipated expenses. The fund is designed to assist with recent or upcoming emergency expenses that are above and beyond the standard Cost of Attendance (COA). Costs such as technology*, shipping, moving, or storage costs may be considered. Students may request this emergency funding by completing the Request for CU Emergency Fund Application. Typically grants will be limited to $500 per academic year and priority will be given to students with significant financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid. Funding availability is limited to expenses incurred during terms in which the student is enrolled.

Note: Technology costs do not include the purchase of a laptop or tablet. Additional loan opportunities may be available through the Office of Financial Aid for students who are in need of assistance to purchase a laptop. Interested students should complete the Undergraduate Student Appeal Form and provide an invoice, estimate, or receipt showing the cost of the laptop. Funding is generally limited to $1,500 for one device (e.g., computer, tablet).

If you have questions related to the CU Emergency Fund, please email us at cuemergencyfund@cornell.edu.

Students Helping Students

The Student Assembly established the Students Helping Students (SHS) Fund in 1985 to assist registered Cornell undergraduate students in financial need. The fund provides assistance to students with necessary emergency expenses incurred during the fall or spring semesters that cannot be funded by other means. Allowable expenses include, but are not limited to, travel expenses related to emergency situations (like the death of a relative); extra basic living expenses needed due to fire, destruction, or natural disaster; replacement of stolen goods (not lost due to negligence); and emergency medical or dental expenses not covered by insurance. SHS funds are not designed to cover standard expenses included in the budgeted cost of attendance for the academic year, non-emergency expenses, expenses that are extravagant or non-utilitarian, and so forth.

The Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment administers the SHS Fund. If you are in need of emergency funding, please visit the Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment in 203 Day Hall to meet with a counselor or contact us at finaid@cornell.edu.

The Student Assembly Financial Aid Review Committee (FARC), a committee convened by the Student Assembly, reviews and approves grants anonymously.

Renewal Fee Emergency Funds

Cornell's Office of Financial Aid and Student Employment will provide grant support to students who face extenuating financial challenges filing the application renewal fee.

These grants do not have to be repaid, and are only available to enrolled Cornell students who are filing for status renewal. Emergency funds are available to each eligible student up to $495, to cover the cost of the renewal application employment authorization and biometric services. Additional funds may be available to assist with transportation costs to the Syracuse, New York Field Support Office, if needed.

Review the eligibility and application requirements.