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Emergency Funding

Saint Louis University understands that students may occasionally encounter unforeseen financial emergencies or catastrophic events that can disrupt their educational plans and ability to pay for school. To assist students in these circumstances, SLU and external partners have implemented the following financial aid funds to help fill these gaps.

Grant Opportunities for Undergraduate and Graduate Students

  • Students Helping Students: This fund is managed by the Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow organization. The fund provides immediate one-time assistance to Billikens (undergraduate or graduate) who find themselves in temporary need of additional funds to stay enrolled in classes and progress toward graduation. The scholarship is awarded each fall and spring semester. During the current COVID-19 crisis, an additional awarding cycle will be available.
  • Student Emergency Relief Fund: Provides limited emergency financial assistance to full-time enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses due to circumstances that created an unexpected, temporary economic hardship. The fund is designated to offset a short-term financial need and is not intended to replace or supplement financial aid. These funds are awarded as a grant and, unlike a loan, do not need to be repaid. Funding is not guaranteed and is not meant to provide long-term relief. In rare instances, these funds may be included in your financial aid package, which could change your financial aid eligibility. Funds may count as income and may be subject to federal and/or state taxes.
    • Application Instructions: Students can apply by visiting the Dean of Students Office website and selecting the Report a Student of Concern tab. From the drop-down menu, students can select Student Emergency Relief Fund. Complete the application and make sure that supportive documentation is attached.

Once the general application is completed, you may apply for scholarships that show in your recommended list that have an “Apply” button, including the Students Helping Students and Student Emergency Relief Funds. You must enter each application and answer further questions, then “Submit” at the bottom right to complete.

  • Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund: The federal stimulus packages passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic provide eligible universities with limited funding designated for current undergraduate and graduate/professional students who have incurred unexpected expenses due to COVID-19, particularly students with unmet needs. International students and DACA students are now eligible to receive funds through the third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) funding if they meet other eligibility criteria at SLU.

    Limited funding was available for eligible students enrolled in the Fall 2021 semester. The Fall 2021 HEERF application closed at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 15. Students will be notified of any future HEERF funding opportunities if available. 

Additional Grant Opportunities for Undergraduate Students 

  • Director's Choice Grant (Up to $1,500): The Director’s Choice Grant from the Missouri Scholarship and Loan Foundation (MSLF) is designed to assist Missouri undergraduate students with an urgent financial need that may prevent them from continuing their degree or program. Students must be full-time, Missouri residents, and make satisfactory academic progress (SAP).

    This grant is not "need-based" as defined by federal financial aid regulations, but the Financial Aid Office will recommend a grant award based on a student’s financial circumstances and other relevant factors. Potential candidates should email Student Financial Services at sfs@slu.edu to confirm eligibility and request application materials.
  • Emergency Student Aid: Established by the Board of Trustees, this fund may provide up to $2,500 per student recipient per semester. Students must have a GPA of 2.5 or above and require emergency financial aid to return to SLU.

  • Financial Need Fund (Go Further):  This grant assists undergraduate students who experience a financial emergency or unanticipated expenses causing financial hardship. The program is designed to assist those who cannot reasonably resolve their financial difficulty through scholarships, loans or personal resources.

  • Judy and Jerry Kent Retention and Graduation Scholarship: This award was created to assist current SLU students with unique financial circumstances requiring additional resources to complete their undergraduate degree. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be at a junior or senior level.

  • Kathleen and Jack Lane Scholarship: This award was established to assist students who need more than four years to complete their degree.

  • SLU Military Grant (Go Further): This grant supports undergraduate students who are Yellow Ribbon for Post 9/11 veterans, dependents of deceased service members (gold star) and dependents of active service members. These funds may serve as a supplement when military assistance is no longer available.

Emergency Short-Term Loans (Amount Varies)

  • Undergraduate Emergency Loan (Up to $300): This loan is designed for full-time undergraduate students with an urgent financial need. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater. Repayment is due 90 days after an application is approved and students must have a specific source from which to repay the loan. Interested students should email Student Financial Services at sfs@slu.edu to request the application materials. 

  • USX Graduate Emergency Loan (Up to $1,200): This loan is designed for domestic degree-seeking graduate students with an urgent financial need. Students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or greater and either be currently enrolled or pre-registered for the following semester. Students may borrow funds from this loan program a maximum of three times and cannot have a current outstanding emergency loan with Saint Louis University. Repayment is due 90 days after the application is approved. Interested students should email Student Financial Services at sfs@slu.edu to request the application materials.
  • School of Law Students: Terry Gould Emergency Loan (Up to $2,000): This loan is designed to assist students in the School of Law who have an urgent financial need. Students must be currently enrolled in pursuit of a Juris Doctorate and the repayment term cannot exceed the date of graduation. Potential candidates should email fin_aid@law.slu.edu to request application materials.
  • School of Medicine Students: Kellogg Emergency Loan (Amount Varies): This loan is designed to assist students in the School of Medicine who have an urgent financial need. Students must be currently enrolled with the School of Medicine and must have a specific source from which to repay the loan, which could include an expected refund for a current or future semester. The standard award amount is $500. However, in exceptional circumstances, larger amounts can be considered. Interested students should email sfp@slu.edu to request application materials.