Emergency Tuition Assistance

Emergency Tuition Assistance Grant

The  Emergency Tuition Assistance Grant is designed to assist students who are facing unforeseen circumstances that impact their ability to pay tuition-related expenses. This grant aims to support students in maintaining continuity in their studies during challenging times, such as accidents, illnesses, family emergencies, or sudden financial hardships.

Please note that this grant does not replace existing financial aid, educational stipends, or anticipated expenses. Additionally, it does not cover future semester fees, outstanding balances from previous academic years, or the costs associated with repeating classes. 

Purpose

To address unforeseen financial burdens that impact tuition-related expenses.  Potential unforeseen financial burdens may include:

  • Loss of Financial Support: Unexpected unemployment, a significant reduction in income, or the loss of primary financial support. 
  • Loss of Financial Aid: Unexpected changes in financial aid eligibility, including scholarship cancellations or reduced grants. 
  • Housing Instability: Sudden eviction, increased rent, or homelessness that affects financial capacity. 
  • Transportation Costs: Significant, unplanned expenses related to transportation disruptions that hinder attendance or coursework. 
  • Technology Needs: Essential and unexpected costs for replacing or acquiring tools necessary for coursework, such as laptops or software. 
  • Family Emergency: Financial strain resulting from a family crisis, such as the death of a primary financial supporter or the onset of sudden caregiving responsibilities. 
  • Natural Disasters: Loss of property or additional expenses incurred due to events such as hurricanes, floods, or fires. 
  • Legal Expenses: Unforeseen legal fees arising from personal or family situations. 
  • Medical Expenses: Unanticipated medical bills or treatments that are not covered by insurance. 
  • Other Emergencies: Any other significant and unexpected financial obligations that directly affect the ability to pay tuition. 

Eligibility:

  • For eligibility, undergraduate students must have at least a 2.0 GPA, and graduate students must have at least a 3.0 GPA.
  • Students must apply during the semester they are registered.  If a student cannot apply due to serious issues they may still be considered if they provide documentation.
  • Students who are finishing their last semester will receive priority.
  • Students in non-degree or certificate programs and CUSP students cannot apply for this assistance. 

Exceptions are assessed individually, considering the urgency of the situation and the submitted documentation.

Documentation

Applicants are required to provide:

  • Statement of Circumstances: A detailed explanation of the unforeseen event or financial hardship that has affected the student's ability to pay tuition.
  • Proof of Financial Need:  This could include recent pay stubs, unemployment benefits documentation, or proof of sudden income loss.
  • Medical Documentation:  If the emergency is health-related (e.g., illness or accident), medical reports or doctor's notes may be required.
  • Documentation of Family Emergency: Such as a death certificate, obituary, or other relevant documentation.
  • Evidence of Changes in Financial Status:  This could be recent tax returns, bank statements showing sudden expenses, or documentation of unexpected financial obligations.
  • Any Other Relevant Documentation: Depending on the specific circumstances, additional documentation that supports the student's application may be requested.

Student Emergency Assistance (SEA) Grant Eligibility Checklist

As a potential applicant for the SEA Grant, please review the following criteria. Check each box to confirm that you meet the requirements before submitting your application.

  • I am facing an unforeseen financial burden (e.g., a family crisis, or job loss).
  • I have a minimum GPA of 2.0 (undergraduate students) or 3.0 (graduate students).
  • I am enrolled in a degree program (not a non-degree or certificate program).
  • I have applied for assistance within the semester I am registered.
  • I am a last-semester graduate student (if applicable, for priority consideration).
  • I have not applied after the semester has ended (Spring: May 15; Fall Dec.15)
  • I am not applying for future semester fees, past balances from previous academic years, or repeating classes.

If you meet 4 or more criteria, you are eligible to submit your application!

Click on the application link (https://johnjaycollege-ugmtg.formstack.com/forms/sefgrantapp).

Contact Information

For any questions regarding the Emergency Tuition Assistance grant or the application process, please contact emergencyfunding@jjay.cuny.edu.