Student Emergency Funds
Student emergency funds assist Duke students by providing financial support when they need assistance with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency expenses surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, death of a family member, property damage, or need for temporary housing. Currently enrolled students may apply for funds when they have exhausted all other resources (payment plans, additional student aid, assistance from family/friends, other personal resources). This funding is not intended to reimburse expenses that have already been paid or to replace or supplement existing financial aid. If funds are granted, they do not have to be repaid.
Possible Expenses Covered by the Emergency Fund
This list offers some examples of expenses potentially covered by the Student Emergency Fund. If the reason you are seeking funds is not listed below, that does not mean it will not be considered. You are encouraged to submit a request for funds so that we can fully evaluate your situation and determine how we can help.
- Medications and costs related to emergency medical care
- Safety needs (i.e., changing a lock)
- Replacement of essential personal belongings or temporary housing needs, due to fire, theft, or natural disaster
- Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family
Expenses Not Covered
Expenses Not Covered
This list offers some examples of expenses that would not be covered by the Student Emergency Fund but is not exhaustive:
- Tuition, fees, health insurance, and study abroad costs.
- Non-essential utilities or household items not related to damage or theft.
- Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (i.e., rent).
- Parking tickets.
- Costs for entertainment, recreation, or non-emergency travel.
- Other anticipated expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must have an immediate or time sensitive financial hardship resulting from an emergency, accident, or other unexpected critical incident or circumstance.
- The expense must be unexpected, unforeseen, and the urgent nature unavoidable.
- Applicants must be currently enrolled students.
- All other resources, including emergency loans through Scholarships and Student Aid must have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner.
- Applicants must complete all questions in full and submit supporting documentation.
- Have not previously received emergency funds from the Dean of Students Office for similar circumstances.
Application Process
Students needing emergency financial assistance may apply and submit supporting documentation. A committee will review each application to determine eligibility for aid. Applicants may be required to meet with a DukeReach staff member to discuss their application. If you are currently receiving financial aid, please be aware that receiving emergency funding may affect your future aid packages, and funds received will be taxed as income. For information on the application process, please contact DukeReach at dukereach@duke.edu or 919-681-2455.
Giving
The number of students who can be served by the Student Emergency Fund is subject to the availability of funds. The fund must be sustained by continual contributions from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of the University.