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Contact UsIMPORTANT NOTICE
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Fall 2025 Semester Emergency Fund application has now closed, as all available funds for this semester have been allocated.
We understand that financial hardships can be incredibly stressful, and support is still available. If you would like assistance exploring alternative resources for which you may be eligible, please submit a Care Referral to be connected with a Case Manager.
Student Emergency Retention Fund
Life happens. The Student Emergency Retention Fund is an emergency stipend for MSU Denver students who are dealing with unanticipated catastrophic life events that might cause the student to stop or pause their educational goals. Funding is limited each semester, and applications will be reviewed as funds last. Once funds are exhausted, additional applications will not be reviewed. All decisions are final.
*All students are welcome to apply, independent of immigration status*
You may be eligible for funding if:
- You are enrolled in classes in the current semester in which you apply for funding, including Summer.
- You have not already received an Emergency Fund within the last academic year. Students are eligible to receive this fund up to once per academic year (Fall Semester to Fall Semester).
- You have exhausted all other financial options. This may include Financial Aid Awards (considered on a case-by-case basis).
Awards are capped at $1,000. The MSU Denver Student Emergency Fund may affect future financial aid award packages for students and may be considered taxable income.
Emergency Fund awards may be prioritized for students who have not previously had the opportunity to receive funding.
Students may be referred to case management to explore alternative financial resources in lieu of or prior to being considered for Emergency Funds.
In order to be considered for Student Emergency Retention Fund, students must submit the following:
Application Requirements
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- Online Application Form
- A Personal Statement including the following information: a description of your current financial emergency and how this was unanticipated/unexpected, how this emergency affects your education, and a description of other resources you’ve explored and how you’ve attempted to resolve this emergency.
- Documentation of how Emergency Funds will be used. For example: a dated demand for rent notice, a current or overdue energy bill, etc. Documentation provided must match the total funding requested.
- Documentation of need. For example: a screenshot of current bank account balance(s) to demonstrate need for the funding requested.
If an application is missing required documentation, the request may be denied.
Once all four submission requirements are met, a representative from the Student CARE Center will contact you within 2-3 businesses days to schedule a meeting, during which your request and eligibility criteria will be reviewed.
Thoroughly review the requirements listed below before applying.
We prioritize financial emergencies that threaten basic needs (for example: housing, utilities, etc).
Expenses NOT covered include, but are not limited to:
- Tuition, fees, books, or other course-related materials
- Car payments & non-essential transportation expenses (as determined by the Student Emergency Retention Fund Committee)
- Outstanding personal debt, including car loan payments, credit card debt, medical debt or unpaid medical bills, or other bills that have been sent to collections
- Student travel or conference
- Non-essential utilities (determined by Student Emergency Retention Fund Committee)
- Reimbursements for bills or expenses that have already been paid
- Funds to supplement a personal savings account or “spending money” for daily living expenses not connected to a bill
The Student Emergency Retention Fund Committee requires documentation and reserves the right to request receipts.
Student Emergency Retention Fund Application
