Emergency Aid Program

Summer 2024 (5/7/2024 – 9/2/2024): Please note that the main purpose of the Emergency Aid Program is to support students during periods of enrollment. Students who are registered for future semesters may submit requests during periods of non-enrollment when an unanticipated and uncontrollable circumstance occurs but the Emergency Aid Program will be able to provide support only in unusual circumstances.

Macalester’s Emergency Aid Program is intended for students who are experiencing an unanticipated financial hardship and have no other resources to draw from. Students approved to receive funds from the Emergency Aid Program are typically students who demonstrate very high levels of financial need and do not have family members or other resources to assist them. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• Travel expenses due to a family emergency
• Dental needs
• Eyewear needs
• Medical expenses
• Computer needs
• Theft of personal belongings
• Safety needs

Please complete and submit the Emergency Aid Request form to tell us about your need for emergency assistance. 

Currently enrolled students may request emergency assistance. Support available is limited and will be provided based on the individual circumstances presented. In some cases, a student requesting emergency aid may be directed to existing financial aid programs, including student loans. Due to the limited nature of this program, some requests may be denied. In most cases, a student will receive emergency assistance only once per academic year. Funds from the Emergency Aid Program are typically limited to around $500.

Students often wonder how likely it is that an Emergency Aid Program request will be approved. This is very challenging to answer in a helpful manner because each student’s circumstances are unique. By providing the guidelines above, we are seeking transparency without discouraging requests from students in need.

The Emergency Aid Program is not related to Macalester’s regular financial aid program. Financial aid applicants who have special circumstances should request reconsideration of their financial aid eligibility. More information can be found here.

Emergency funding may create a taxable event and require reporting to the IRS and/or other relevant taxing authorities.