HARDSHIP FUND

Current students at Valparaiso University must be:

• Experiencing a current and temporary unexpected or urgent financial hardship
• Currently enrolled at least part-time
• Low-income (as determined by current information on file with Financial Aid)
  • PELL eligible
  • Low EFC
  • Have an approved Special Circumstance Form on file

Funding is designed to provide aid to eligible students who are struggling with a current, unexpected, and temporary personal crisis or emergency situation. Applications will be accepted and processed during the following months: January 5th – May 5th and September 1st to December 1st. 

Examples of expenses that could be covered by the Hardship Fund if a student is experiencing a personal crisis or emergency situation include:

• Transportation disruption not related to monthly payments (e.g. required minor/non-cosmetic car repairs, etc.)
• Replacement of essential belongings due unforeseen circumstances
• School materials that cannot be purchased through the Valpo Bookstore and are needed for academic purposes
• Essential utility bill(s) or rent, if a personal crisis affected the monthly payment.
• Payment of emergency medical-related care
• Technology disruption (e.g. software, internet). Loaner laptops will be provided if available.

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Each application will be carefully reviewed.

The Hardship Fund is not intended to provide ongoing relief for recurring expenses. Funding is designed to provide aid to eligible students who are struggling with an unexpected personal crisis or an emergency situation.

Examples of expenses that would NOT be covered by the Hardship Fund:

• Tuition and fees (including student account balances)
• Books or access codes (that are available through the University bookstore)
• School materials that can be purchased through the Valpo Bookstore
• Alcohol or drug related offenses, tickets, legal fees, or jail bonds
• Non-essential utility bills (e.g. cable)
• Entertainment or recreational activities
• Maintenance requirements for vehicles

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Each application will be carefully reviewed.

The Hardship Fund is not intended to provide ongoing relief for recurring expenses. Funding is designed to provide aid to eligible students who are struggling with an unexpected personal crisis or an emergency situation.

Students who meet the criteria are able to receive up to $500 once per calendar year (January – December). *The approved amount is determined based on available funds and the committee’s discretion.

No. Unlike a loan, the money awarded through the Hardship Fund does not need to be repaid.

Submit the application above AND email hardshipfund@valpo.edu. We cannot guarantee immediate processing, but will work with you to the best of our ability.

Applications are not reviewed over the weekend or on holidays, which may extend the time for a decision. Please keep this in mind if submitting your application on a Friday, after business hours, during the weekend, or on a holiday break.

You can find additional resources that may be able to help you in the meantime by going here: Community Resources Available to Valparaiso University Students.

Upon submission of the application, a confirmation will be sent to your Valpo student email with more information.

We strive to review applications as soon as possible. Decisions will be communicated to your Valpo student email. Additional information may be requested in order to fully review your application. This could cause a delay in a decision, so be sure to answer all questions with as much detail as possible when submitting your application.

Applications are reviewed within 7 days of submission however, weekends or holiday break may extend the time for a decision.

It is important to check your Valpo student email frequently after you apply to monitor communication regarding your application.

If approved, funds are distributed, using the method selected by the recipient on the acknowledgement form.

Within 10 business days of receiving funding, you are required to submit a copy of the paid bill/receipt to confirm that the funding provided was used towards your stated need.

Student Resources

Student Financial Services provide student financial services surrounding financial aid, undergraduate scholarships, and tuition costs. They can assist in reviewing alternative means of assistance, if applicable, or help you complete the Special Circumstance Form. You can reach them at finaid@valpo.edu or 219.464.5015.

Community Resources

As an additional level of support, please see this list of community resources: Community Resources Available to Valparaiso University Students

If you have any questions, please reach out: hardshipfund@valpo.edu