USD STudent Emergency Grant

The USD Student Emergency Grant was created to provide financial assistance to enrolled students who are unable to meet qualifying expenses as a result of emergency situations, such as fires, natural disasters, criminal victimhood, loss of employment due to sudden economic downturns, acute medical events, unexpected family situations and other unforeseen catastrophes.

This assistance is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid or cover standard expenses like rent and meals and does not have to be repaid. Grants are limited to under $500 per academic year.

Expenses covered by the Student Emergency Grant include:

• Emergency housing assistance
• Unexpected acute medical, mental health or dental costs
• Domestic travel expenses to receive medical care or tend to sick or deceased family members
• Academically necessary textbooks, technology or service costs
• Childcare
• Food due to an emergency situation.  For other needs see the Swipe Out Hunger meal swipe program. 
• Toiletries, clothing, and other basic needs due to an unexpected or emergency situation

Expenses not covered by the Student Emergency Grant include:

• Tuition and fees
• Health insurance premiums
• Study-abroad costs
• Non-essential utilities (e.g., cable)
• Credit cards, personal loans and other debts
• Penalties, fines and parking tickets
• Entertainment costs
• Basic needs like rent, food, personal items not associated with an unexpected or emergency situation.

Students interested in an Emergency Grant must complete and submit an Emergency Grant Application to the USD Office of Student Services. To be eligible, an applicant must be a full-time student in good academic and financial standing with USD. Applications will be considered by a committee established by Student Services. Funds are limited and restricted to emergency situations.  

Apply for the Student Emergency Grant