Emergency Aid Program

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
• Winter wear 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.

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.