Emergency Grants

Ohio Wesleyan offers emergency funds to help eligible students with non-school-related expenses that threaten their ability to remain enrolled at the University and to complete their degree.

What They Cover

OWU Emergency Funds are available to assist students with unexpected emergency expenses, such as vehicle repairs, emergency-related travel and transportation expenses, emergency medical bills not covered by insurance, food and other necessary items. 

Emergency funds are not available to pay for school-related expenses such as tuition, course-related fees, room and board, summer or break on-campus housing expenses, health insurance, travel-away opportunities, airfare before or after break periods, or personal technology. Emergency funds are also not available for citations, fines or legal assistance.

Because this assistance is intended to cover unexpected emergency expenses, funding is not available for ongoing payments, such as monthly bills or other planned payments.

Who is Eligible?

To be eligible for Emergency Funds, an individual must be currently enrolled at OWU in a degree-seeking program. To be eligible for WCSA Emergency Funds, U.S. students must have completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and have an expected family contribution (EFC) of $12,000 or less per year (the Office of Financial Aid is able to help verify eligibility if needed). Needs for international students will be assessed in consultation with the Dean of Students office.

How to Apply

Contact the Office of the Dean of Students or complete a short online application. A member of the team will review your situation with you.

Receiving Funds

If your application for funding is approved, the University hopes to have the funds ready for use within five business days. Students  cannot receive funds directly as payment will be made to a service provider (such as an auto mechanic or a medical office) on your behalf, based on cost estimates or other required documentation. For students receiving funding from the WCSA Emergency Fund, they can receive a maximum amount of $2,000.00 over the course of their time at OWU.

Grant Sources

OWU Emergency Funds are possible as a result of generous funding from WCSA, OWU donors and grants made available to the University.

Have Questions?

Verify your FAFSA status or EFC by contacting the Financial Aid Office located on the second floor of Slocum Hall in Room 246, at 740-368-3050, or at financialaid@owu.edu.

Discuss your need with a Dean in the Office of Student Engagement and Success on the second floor of Hamilton-Williams Campus Center, at 740-368-3135, or at deansoffice@owu.edu.