Introduction

If you’re facing unexpected expenses or financial hardship, or - you simply don't have the financial resources you need for the present moment, you’re not alone—and there may be help available. Use the sections below to explore financial support and campus resources that may provide relief, guidance, or emergency aid. Remember, you can meet with CAFE to help brainstorm your situation and these options at any time.

Besides the ideas below, remember that there may be options such as a paycheck advance from an employer (which may be rejected, but worth exploring), personal loans from family or friends, and/or negotiate payment plan for any money that may be owed. There are also Peer-to-Peer lending platforms that allows a borrower and lender to come together via the Internet. Popular P2P lending platforms include LendingClub, Peerform, and Prosper.

See a grand list of ideas on how to optimize your situation here.

Basic Needs Center (BNC)

OSU’s Basic Needs Center (BNC) offers basic needs strategy support and community for students navigating tough economic situations. Using campus resources is a normal part of student life. The BNC focuses on:

Housing
Food
Living on a budget with limited resources

Cascade Opportunities

Check all OSU Cascades scholarships and review other funding opportunities, including hardship and persistence-based scholarships.

College/Departmental Resources

Many OSU colleges and departments offer their own scholarships, completion grants, or hardship funds. Check with your academic advisor or college student services office. You can also meet with CAFE, as we maintain updated information across colleges and programs such as TRIO, EOP, DAS, etc. Explore ScholarDollars for OSU and external scholarships.

Ecampus Financial Hardship Scholarship

This scholarship is available to OSU Ecampus undergraduate and post-bacc students enrolled in at least 6 credits, or graduate students enrolled in at least 3 credits. Students must explain their unexpected financial hardship and its academic impact. Review full eligibility details on the Hardship Grant website.

Graduate Student Financial Impact Hardship Award

The Graduate Student Financial Impact Hardship Award provides short-term financial assistance to graduate students experiencing unexpected financial hardship that affects their ability to persist in their program. This award is intended to help stabilize students during temporary financial crises.

Eligibility criteria, award amounts, and application details are managed by the Graduate School. Review full information and apply here: Graduate Student Financial Impact Hardship Award.

Payment Plans

Payment plans can help manage your OSU bill. Key things to know:

How it works: Your balance is split into equal monthly installments. The first payment is due at enrollment.
Enrollment timing matters: If you want October options, enroll by 10/31.
Be prepared: You must make your first payment when you enroll.

Details here: Student Accounts – Payment Plans.

Student Hourly Mid-Month & Emergency Draws

OSU offers short-term pay access options for student employees:

Emergency Loan

The emergency loan provides up to $350 per term and must be repaid before another is taken. It is added to your OSU bill. Learn more here: Emergency Loan Information.

Family Resource Center

The Family Resource Center supports students with children or family responsibilities through childcare support, housing resources, and emergency funding. Visit familyresources.oregonstate.edu.

OSU University Housing & Dining Services (UHDS) Retention Grant

The UHDS Retention Grant provides up to $1,500 per academic year for on-campus residents facing financial hardship. Visit UHDS Funding Resources for details.

Financial Aid Considerations

Explore options such as:

Financial Aid Specific Information - meet with the Financial Aid Office to explore:
- Special Conditions Appeal
- Unused aid
- Loan increases and PLUS Loan considerations
  - Because of completed credits, are you eligible for an increase in student loans?
  - If you are required to include parent on the FAFSA application, is a parent interested in the Parent Plus Loan.
    - If a parent applies and is denied, are you interested in additional student loan increases?
- Additional emergency or completion grants could be offered (meet with financial aid).
Private loan exploration

Registration Hold Scholarship

The Registration Hold Grant provides a one-time grant of up to $1,000 to help students pay their OSU bill to register. Applications open Monday of Week 10 in fall, winter, and spring. More information here.

Drop/Withdrawal Considerations

Always consult Financial Aid before adjusting enrollment. Review deadlines on the Academic Calendar.