Student Assistance Grants for EmergenciesDean of Students Office

Student Assistance Grants for Emergencies 

Gustavus Adolphus College has emergency funding available from the State of Minnesota to assist and support students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event. These grants are not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a supplement to a student’s education funding sources. 

The Student Assistance Grants for Emergencies (SAGE) has been created for the purpose of providing quick-response emergency grants for short-term financial emergencies, enabling a student to remain in school. This fund is open to all students, including non-Minnesota residents, though priority will be given to those who are Pell Grant eligible, Minnesota State grant eligible, and/or whose estimated family contribution (EFC) is $15,530 or less. The fund will be coordinated by the Dean of Students office.

An eligibility review will determine if other financial aid can be maximized before awarding an emergency grant. To be considered eligible, a student must:

• be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking student at Gustavus during the term in which the emergency funds are requested;
• demonstrate financial need by describing your circumstances and providing documentation; and
• complete the application.

Expenses generally covered, but are not limited to:

• Emergency shelter
• Rent
• Transportation to/from campus or work
• Automotive repairs
• Gas
• Utility bills
• Groceries
• Childcare items
• Medical devices (i.e., eyeglasses)
• Medical services
• Emergency related living expenses that are not already included in the cost of attendance

Expenses generally not covered:

• tuition, fees, and study abroad expenses
• components of the budgeted cost of attendance (housing, meal plan, student fees, books)
• parking tickets or other fines
• non-emergency or maintenance-related transportation expenses
• non-essential personal and miscellaneous expenses
• travel outside the state of Minnesota

All students are eligible to apply. Priority consideration for SAGE funds will be given to students who are Pell Grant and/or Minnesota State Grant eligible, or whose SAI is $15,530 or less. Your Student Aid Index (SAI) will be used as part of the consideration for fund eligibility. 

A student is only eligible to receive funding once per academic year. SAGE funds do not need to be repaid and are distributed on a case by case basis. Funds will be made available as soon as possible and are limited to a maximum of $1,500 per individual.

How to Apply

Please complete and submit the form below to be considered for SAGE funding. You will be contacted via email on the status of your SAGE application.

Student Assistance Grant for Emergencies Application