Student Emergency Fund
Application reviews will resume in July 2025.
Sometimes, things happen. We are here to help.
CU Boulder has a commitment to inclusive excellence, and we believe all students should have access to all the resources and support they need to thrive in college and finish their education. CU Boulder’s Student Emergency Fund (SEF) is a stipend that can assist students during unanticipated life events that might cause the student to pause or stop their educational goals. The fund is managed by the Division of Student Life.
Staff in the Division of Student Life support students who are experiencing a financial emergency or have financial concerns. Our staff understands that the financial concerns may go beyond what the emergency fund is able to support. Our team will work with you to explore financial resources on and off campus, which includes looking into additional emergency funding here at CU Boulder.
About SEF
Students are eligible to receive funding awards only once an academic year. SEF is considered taxable income and could impact a student’s future financial aid. A student receiving financial aid will be notified if any adjustments are made to their aid because of receiving emergency funding.
This relief fund will only be awarded after a student has submitted an online application, provided supporting documentation as requested and submitted a personal statement. Please note, every situation is considered on a case-by-case basis. The reviewers will consider the nature and urgency of each situation. However, this looks different for every student.
There is a monetary cap of $1,500 for financial requests, and documentation must align for each request. Students can only receive funds once per academic year regardless of whether they have reached the capped amount.
Eligibility requirements
Thoroughly review the following requirements before applying. Eligible students must:
- Be currently enrolled in CU Boulder for at least three credit hours. If it is a break period, you must be enrolled for the upcoming semester. Summer session is treated separately, and you will need to be enrolled in the summer to be considered for funding between May and the start of school in the fall.
- Have a demonstrated need for financial support through the emergency fund and be able to show you have exhausted all other options for funding including savings, family support or friends.
- Submit a completed online application including submitting all required documentation as requested in order to demonstrate financial need.
Students are eligible to receive this fund once an academic year, which is determined by the CU Boulder academic calendar.
Students will be asked if they have connected with the Office of Financial Aid (OFA) to see what options are available to them for additional funding. Students are encouraged to reach out to OFA prior to applying to the emergency fund.
Expenses covered include, but are not limited to:
- Personal medical, dental or mental health emergencies.
- Emergency family medical or death expenses for those that you are financially responsible for. This will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Safety and health related needs.
- Rent and utilities in case of emergency. For example, if you are hospitalized and unable to work and you cannot pay your rent.
- Care for dependents.
- Costs related to major accidents or loss due to fire, theft or natural disaster.
- Costs related to one’s immigration case or court hearing.
- Books, supplies and access codes. Technology will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Emergency funds will not be approved to cover costs such as:
- Personal debt such as credit cards or loans.
- Veterinary bills and pet expenses.
- Tuition and fees.
- Legal fees that are unrelated to immigration.
- Leisure activities, personal trips and student travel or conferences.
- Other items not specifically listed that are identified as not meeting one or more of the following criteria: emergency circumstances, unanticipated circumstances or clear financial need.
How to apply
- Submit an online application.
- Provide documentation of your need as requested on a case-by-case basis. This can be collected after your initial application.
Once your online application is submitted, a representative from the Division of Student Life will contact you as quickly as possible to set up a time to learn more about your needs, if applicable. Applications will be reviewed as funds are available. Once funds are exhausted, application reviews will pause. All decisions are final, although applicants may be encouraged to re-apply at a later date or with different documentation.