Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team

The Kutztown University’s Student Financial Emergency Support & Resource Team provides support to students facing unexpected financial emergencies, helping them stay focused on their academics. This support includes emergency funds as well as direct referrals to both campus and community resources, a list of general support options, and personalized guidance based on the student’s specific circumstances.

A student financial emergency refers to an unexpected financial obstacle out of the student’s control that could prevent a student from continuing their education. This hardship creates a circumstance where immediate financial support is needed to help the student cover essential expenses and stay enrolled.

Key points about student financial emergencies:
Unforeseen nature: The financial obstacle is unexpected and beyond the student’s control.
Impact on education: The situation must significantly jeopardize the student's ability to continue their studies unless addressed.



how to apply for  EMERGENCY financial support

Students can apply for emergency funds through the Kutztown University Student Financial Emergency Assistance Request Form.  After submission, a Student Financial Emergency Support and Resource Team member will contact applicants within five - seven business days.  

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis. All other financial aid options must be exhausted before emergency funding is considered.


Financial assistance options

The Student Financial Emergency Support & Resource Team partners with the Kutztown University Foundation to support this initiative. Funds are available through the generous donations from Kutztown University’s alumni, faculty/staff, family, and friends.

Not all students are eligible for all types of funding, and assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligibility requirements and individual limits may apply.

Active Enrollment Required: Students must be enrolled to apply for emergency funding.


resources that can lend a hand in a time of need

There are many resources available to students to help them in a variety of ways.

Food Pantry Services

KU is pleased to offer a Bear Essentials Food Pantry on campus in the McFarland Student Union and the KU Student Food Pantry, as a satellite of Friend, Inc., located with special service hours at the Lutheran Center near the Admissions house.  For more details including days and hours of service, please click here. (SNAP benefit information is also on this page)


HELP STUDENTS IN CRISIS - donate today!

Many Golden Bears need your help to get through crises that could jeopardize their academic success and/or physical or emotional well-being.  Help us help students in crisis by raising funds for emergency support for one of the funds listed below.

HELPING PAWS EMERGENCY FUND

The Helping Paws Emergency Fund supports students with unexpected financial emergencies that develop through other life circumstances.

JUST IN TIME

The Morris & Dorothy Beebe Just in Time fund supports senior students who experience financial emergencies that interfere with school as they approach graduation. 

Learn more about giving via the KU Foundation


Closed / exhausted Funding Sources

CARES Act - HEERF I - Closed

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was passed to provide emergency relief as part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF I).  The funds were designated to assist those that were disrupted as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic shutting down campus.  This student funding has been exhausted with over $3M given to our KU students.  This program is now closed.

CRRSAA - HEERF II - Closed

On December 27, 2020 the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act was passed (CRRSAA).  These funds, while similar to CARES Act funds, are set to promote and ensure learning continues during the pandemic in higher education with a focus on exceptional need.  This student funding has been exhausted with over $3M given to our KU students.  This program is now closed.

ARPA - HEERF III - Closed

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was passed to provide additional relief to address the continued impact of COVID-19.  These funds, similar to CRRSAA funds, are set to promote and ensure learning continues during the pandemic in higher education with a focus on exceptional need stemming from a COVID-19 impact.  These funds can be used to directly help with a students tuition bill at KU or be refunded for external support.  There are limitations on student eligibility.  Request must be COVID related to utilize this funding.  This program is now closed.

Bears Band Together - Closed

This special fund supports students facing financial emergencies as a result of a community, national, or pandemic crisis.  This program is now closed.