Undergraduate Emergency Aid
We understand that life is unpredictable and often brings unexpected expenses.
These expenses can cause significant hardship and stress. Fortunately, the university has Emergency Aid funds that might help.
Review our Emergency Aid Request forms to request help with certain unexpected expenses that occur while you are enrolled this year. Emergency aid is available to Evanston Undergraduates enrolled at least half-time (2 units) who are also already receiving need-based Northwestern grant assistance.
What might Emergency Aid cover?
The below list shows some examples of what emergency aid may be able to cover. The list is not exhaustive and specific expenses may not apply to all students. Large expenses will require applications to request financial assistance through the care provider before the emergency aid request can be reviewed. Documentation of the request and result will be required.
- Medical Emergency Expenses (Office visits, ambulance, emergency room, hospital expenses after insurance has applied)
- Alcohol and other drug treatment
- Testing for disabilities after insurance has been applied
- Emergency Vision
- Dental (contact our Financial Aid office prior to committing to expenses)
- Conference Travel (Students must also apply for and receive Conference Travel Grant assistance from the Office of Undergraduate Research)
- Psychological Support
- Emergency Travel
- Special housing accommodation due to an emergency or medical condition
- Additional food costs, such as field studies, or dietary restrictions due to a medical condition.
- Safety/security costs
- Laptop repair or prorated replacement
Office of Undergrad Aid Resources
The office has counselors available to speak with you about aid options including grants, scholarships, loans, and the federal work-study program. Other services include:
- Special circumstances review: in the event there have been unexpected expenses in your family or a loss of income, you may consider a Special Circumstances appeal rather than Emergency Aid funding. Please review our special circumstances information for guidance on submitting an appeal.
- Emergency loan request: For those students needing emergency help prior to the arrival of their financial aid in a given quarter: Short Term Loan
- Emergency Summer Assistance Resources may be available on a limited basis to support students with unique circumstances that are unable to enroll during the summer.
- Federal loan options: Many students qualify for low-interest and deferred payment loans from the federal government. These loans have protections against hardship and also have long term repayment options. Please see a description on our site: Federal loans