SPS Student Emergency Fund

The SPS Emergency Fund, established by the Division of Student Affairs, assists SPS students experiencing a financial crisis due to an unanticipated emergency. It aims to prevent small emergencies or unexpected expenses from disrupting degree completion. The fund is limited and not for ongoing expenses. Students are eligible for one award during their enrollment.

Currently enrolled students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources, including but not limited to: federal and personal loans, University payment plans, scholarships/fellowships, public assistance and other city based resources. Emergency funding is provided in the form of a one-time scholarship and not intended to reimburse for expenses that have already been paid.

Applications must include documentation to demonstrate an emergency that occurred and subsequent financial hardship experienced. Eligible emergencies include but are not limited to food insecurity, accidents, illness, disasters, and temporary housing loss. The Emergency Fund is not intended to be a source to offset the cost of tuition and University fees.

Students should be aware that emergency funding may create a taxable event that could require reporting to the IRS by the university or recipient. Funds will contribute to the cost of attendance and can impact financial aid eligibility. The committee will work with Student Financial Services to obtain a full understanding of your financial aid options and history.

Please note that application review will require a meeting with The Office of Student Wellness and 5-7 business days for review by the committee. If approved for funding it can take a minimum of 10-15 business days for the request to be processed and distributed, longer wait times may occur depending on individual financial circumstances.

Award Amount Per Person: Awards vary based on available funds, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, with a maximum of $5,000 in rare cases. Assistance may include emergency housing, food support or monetary aid, depending on the student's needs. Eligibility does not ensure approval.

APPLY FOR THE SPS EMERGENCY FUND HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Submit a SPS Emergency Fund application via SPS Engage.
Upload proof of financial hardship resulting from an emergency.
Upload documentation demonstrating you have exhausted all other resources of funding and/or a budget template.
Upload documentation that reflects what the emergency funding is being utilized for and/or where it will be applied.
Please upload a copy of your FAFSA form, or its equivalent, if applicable

Once you have submitted your application and all required documenation a member of the Office of Student Wellness will contact you to confirm reciept and schedule a meeting to discuss your application. Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Currently enrolled Master of Science students who have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average;
Facing unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship resulting from a legitimate emergency/catastrophic event.
Students must be in good academic, administrative and behavioral standing at the time of application.
Students who are US Citizens or Permanent Residents are required to fill out a FAFSA form, or its equivalent; If you have not already met with Student Financial Services -- please schedule a meeting with them to review your options.
Exhausted all other financial resources, including federal & personal loans, enrollment in University payment plans, scholarships and grants, insurance, free or low cost services, family and personal contributions, public assistance such as SNAP and government benefits and subsidies. A member of our team will be able to assist you in utilizing these resources if you have not done so.
Clear and credible plan for meeting expenses for the remainder of enrollment at SPS.

Offered on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.

All applicants should note references pertaining to discrimination; harassment; sexual misconduct or intimate partner abuse and stalking, disclosed in this application or accompanying documentation may be required to be disclosed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmitive Action.

Tuition and fees
Ongoing or recurring costs (e.g., monthly bills, regular medical treatments)
Expenses already paid or reimbursed
Costs covered by other financial aid options, like public or private loans
Non-essential purchases or luxury items
Debt repayment (e.g., credit card bills, personal loans)
Financial balances after graduation
Funding gaps due to lack of financial planning
Costs related to inflation and/or currency exchanges;
Legal fees

SPS Student Emergency Fund

APPLY FOR THE SPS EMERGENCY FUND HERE!

Frequently Asked Questions:

How To Apply:

Eligibility Requirements:

Deadlines:

What expenses can be covered through the Student Emergency Fund?

What expenses are typically NOT covered by the Student Emergency Fund?

Additional Resources:

Questions? Contact sps-wellness [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (sps-wellness[at]columbia[dot]edu) for assistance with the SPS Emergency Fund.