Emergency Student Assistance
The Office of Student Financial Aid, in partnership with the Athens State University Foundation, administers the Emergency Student Assistance (ESA) Fund. Supported by donor contributions, the ESA Fund provides financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardships that may affect their ability to remain enrolled and continue their education.
The Emergency Student Assistance Fund is designed to provide temporary support when unforeseen circumstances create financial challenges. By assisting with eligible one-time emergency expenses, the fund helps students stay focused on their education, maintain enrollment, and continue working toward their academic goals at Athens State University.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for assistance, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled at Athens State University.
- Be in good academic standing.
- Be experiencing a temporary financial hardship resulting from an emergency situation.
- Provide documentation of the financial hardship when requested.
- Funding Limits
- Assistance is limited to $1,000 per academic year.
- Students may receive a maximum of $2,000 during their enrollment at Athens State University.
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be available for unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable non-academic emergencies, including:
- Past-due rent
- Past-due vehicle payments
- Vehicle repairs
- Past-due utility bills
- Past-due phone bills
- Emergency medical expenses
Ineligible Expenses
Funding cannot be used for:
- Recurring expenses or previously paid bills
- Tuition and fees
- Wage garnishments
- Payday or title loans
- Student loan payments