In cases of unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship, enrolled students at Columbia Business School may be eligible to apply for emergency aid. Students may apply only after they have exhausted all other financial possibilities. Funding is extremely limited and eligibility to apply does not guarantee an award.
Student Eligibility Requirements
- Currently in residence at Columbia Business School (CBS), enrolled in a CBS degree program at Columbia University in New York City, and in good academic standing.
- Facing unanticipated and unforeseeable financial hardship resulting from a legitimate emergency/catastrophic event.
- Examples might include: support for temporary housing, and/or other essential needs such as food, due to displacement by fire, safety concerns, or other unforeseen event; travel costs associated with a personal or family emergency, crisis, or death; unforeseen or unusually high medical expenses. This list is not exhaustive for all situations for which a student may seek financial assistance.
- The following situations would not be eligible: expected tuition & fees and standard living expenses; expenses related to conferences or job-related employment searches; non-essential expenses (e.g., library fines, gym membership); travel costs associated with school-sponsored trips
- Exhausted all other financial resources, including loans.
- US citizens or permanent residents must have a completed FAFSA for the current academic year on file with the Office of Financial Aid.
- International students not borrowing through Prodigy, MPower or another US-based loan program will need to show proof of loan borrowing in home country (translated into English and notarized).
- Able to provide a clear and credible plan for meeting expenses for the remainder of your enrollment.
- Ready to submit supporting documentation (translated to English, if applicable).
Emergency Aid Parameters
- Awards may be given in the form of stipends (direct payments to students) or a credit to the student account of up to $5,000. There is a lifetime maximum award limit of $10,000.
- Processing of stipends typically takes 3-5 business days after initially posted, and with direct deposit (highly recommended), timing also depends on procedures at the student’s bank. Setting up a direct deposit account is not required, but is strongly encouraged to expedite the delivery of funds (otherwise stipends or refunds are disbursed as a hard copy check, sent through the US mail).
- Tuition grants are typically credited to students’ accounts 24-48 hours from the time they are initially posted.
- Decisions are final; not subject to appeal.
Emergency Aid Application
- If you meet all the requirements stated above, complete the Student Application for Emergency Relief (SAFER).
- If you do not meet all the requirements stated above, contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss financing options. For budgeting assistance, we recommend reviewing the free resources available on iGrad.