SPS Student Emergency Fund

The SPS Emergency Fund is intended to mitigate short-term financial hardship that results from a sudden and unanticipated emergency. The fund is limited and not for ongoing expenses. Students are eligible for one award during their enrollment.

Currently enrolled and registered 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 a new emergency that occurred and subsequent financial hardship experienced. Expenses must be for immedate circumstances and directly related to the student. Expenses must be for new and unanticipated, non-recurring circumstances. Emergency Fund is not intended to be a source to offset the cost of tuition and University fees.

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. Assistance may include emergency housing, University Dining or monetary aid - depending on the student's needs. Eligibility does not guarantee funding.

Awards will be processed as aid for living expenses and may be paid as a stipend. If required, taxes will be withheld. Information on stipends can be found here and information on tax can be found here.The committee will work with Student Financial Planning to obtain a full understanding of your financial aid options and history.

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 and registered School of Professional Studies student.
Facing a suddent unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship resulting from a new 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 Institutional Equity.

Tuition and fees
Funding gaps due to lack of financial planning
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
Costs related to inflation and/or currency exchanges;
Legal fees

SPS Student Emergency Fund

The SPS Emergency Fund is intended to mitigate short-term financial hardship that results from a sudden and unanticipated emergency. The fund is limited and not for ongoing expenses. Students are eligible for one award during their enrollment.

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.