South CARES Emergency Assistance

We recognize that students may encounter unforeseen, significant challenges that create financial emergencies, hindering their ability to pursue their education. In response, USA created an opportunity for students to apply for South CARES Emergency Assistance for immediate, essential expenses due to temporary hardship.

This one-time assistance aims to alleviate short-term financial burdens and is not intended to replace or supplement existing financial aid. Eligible students must have exhausted all federal financial aid options and meet additional criteria outlined below in order to be considered.

We acknowledge the uniqueness of each student's situation, and every request will be carefully and confidentially considered. Typically, funding ranges from $50 to $500 and will be applied directly to the student's university account for disbursement. These funds do not need to be repaid.

To Apply

South CARES Assistance Request

A student's request should include a detailed description of the specific need and a statement of how the emergency situation has caused a financial hardship or is impacting their current academic semester.

A member of our team will reach out and schedule a confidential one-on-one appointment in-person or via Zoom.

Students in the College of Medicine should access the COM CARES program here.

▼ Types of expenses generally considered, including but not limited to:

Required books or other course-related supplies
Replacement of essential academic equipment due to theft, fire, or other disaster
Temporary food or housing insecurity
Emergency medical treatment/medication when the costs cannot be covered by insurance
Travel related costs related to death or illness in immediate family
Car repairs

▼ Types of expenses generally not considered, including but not limited to:

Tuition, fees, and study abroad expenses
Parking tickets or other fines
Entertainment, recreation, and non-emergency travel
Non-essential household or personal expenses
Non-essential utilities (i.e. internet, cable, etc.), household or furniture costs not related to damage or theft
Regularly anticipated fixed expenses (i.e. rent)
Other expenses due to overspending

▼ Eligibility Requirements:

must be classified as degree seeking undergraduate or graduate student,
be enrolled at least half-time or registered for the maximum number of credits required by the program,
must demonstrate financial need,
must be in good academic standing (Students currently on financial aid warning, probation, or suspension will not be considered.),
must have a current FAFSA on file, and
have exhausted all other forms of aid.

USA South CARES Emergency Assistance is made possible through generous donations from USA faculty, staff, alumni and donors. These monetary donations make a difference in the lives of our students in times of hardship and are greatly appreciated.