Education

Education

Emergency Funding for Students

If you are facing hardship or financial stress, OHSU offers emergency funding and financial guidance. 

Contact Financial Aid first

Call or email the Financial Aid Office before you request emergency funding. In many cases, students qualify for additional aid or adjustments that can help right away. We can review your situation and help you identify available options.

How we can help

  • Confirm you receive all eligible financial aid  
  • Review eligibility for additional aid programs  
  • Reassess aid after job loss or other changes

What you need to know

  • You must file the FAFSA to access most aid programs. 
  • Most requests take three to five business days, though some requests require more time. 

Request emergency funding

If you still need support after connecting with the Financial Aid Office, emergency funding may be available.

OHSU offers emergency funding through school and program-based funds and student support services.

Contact your school or program first to learn about available emergency funding options.

If you need additional support, email the Student Affairs Emergency Fund team at studentsupport@ohsu.edu. Staff can help connect you with funding and resources that fit your situation.

School and program contacts

Common situations that may qualify

  • Sudden loss of income
  • Unexpected medical expenses
  • Housing instability
  • Family emergencies
  • Safety or violence-related situations
  • Transportation disruption

Privacy and academic standing

Requesting emergency funding does not affect your academic standing. We keep your information private and use it only to determine eligibility for support.

Support for ongoing financial hardship

If you're struggling to make ends meet month to month, short-term emergency funding may not be enough. These resources can help you get support and plan for the future.

Financial aid support

The Financial Aid Office can help you identify programs you qualify for but haven't yet accessed and advise you on appeal options to increase your current aid.

Debt counseling and financial management

Get personalized, one-on-one help developing a budget and understanding your student loan options. 
 
Learn more about educational debt counseling.

Student support

The Office for Student Support connects students to campus and community resources for basic needs, including:

  • Housing support 
  • Food resources
  • Mental health support

Learn more about student support or email the office at studentsupport@ohsu.edu with questions.

Frequently asked questions

What is emergency funding?

Emergency funding provides short-term financial assistance for students facing unexpected expenses or financial emergencies that may affect their ability to continue their education.

Who can request emergency funding?

Current OHSU students can request emergency funding if they experience unexpected financial hardship and explore financial aid options first. 

Is my request confidential?

 Yes. OHSU keeps your information private and uses it only to review your request and determine eligibility for support. Your request does not affect your academic standing. 

Do I need to repay emergency funding?

No. You do not need to repay emergency funding.

How do I apply?

Contact your school or program first to discuss your situation and learn about available emergency funding options. If you need additional support, contact the Student Affairs Emergency Fund team at studentsupport@ohsu.edu.

How long does it take to get a decision?

Most students receive a decision within several business days to a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the request. 

Can I receive emergency funding if I already get financial aid?

Yes. You may receive emergency funding even if you are already receiving financial aid. However, in some situations, receiving emergency funding may affect the amount of financial aid you are eligible to receive.  

As part of the emergency fund process, you will be asked to authorize your school or Student Affairs to consult with Financial Aid to determine whether receiving emergency funding will affect your existing aid before funds are awarded.

Contact us

For questions about financial aid support:

For questions about the emergency funding application process, email the Office for Student support at studentsupport@ohsu.edu. 

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