Welcome to our comprehensive guide on alternative financial resources for students facing economic challenges. Traditional part-time employment may not always be the immediate solution for students facing financial strain. Whether you're seeking alternative avenues to cover expenses or looking to supplement your income, this resource hub is designed to provide you with a variety of avenues to seek financial support. Explore a range of opportunities, from loans and grants to scholarships and non-financial resources, tailored to support you on your academic and financial path. Your success matters to us, and we're here to help you discover the resources that best fit your unique needs.
Facing immediate financial challenges?
Visit the or contact the CARE team for urgent support. If you know someone in urgent need, make a referral to ensure they get the help they deserve.
Non-monetary support
Explore essential non-monetary support resources at ßÙßÇÂþ» designed for your well-being and academic success.
Resource | Support Provided | Contact |
---|---|---|
ßÙßÇÂþ» Food Pantry | Food and personal care items | bpantry@binghamton.edu |
CARE team | Case managers are assigned to help students through a range of complex situations through education, resources, and advocacy |
dos@binghamton.edu |
Laptop loaner program | Laptops are lent out to students who need them to successfully complete their academic studies |
dos@binghamton.edu |
Visions Financial Wellness Program | Students can meet 1:1 with a financial wellness educator for individualized support with personal finance questions |
Grants
Grants are designed to alleviate financial strain and do not need to be repaid. Please note that grant funding is competitive and limited, and not all eligible students will receive support. All grants listed require an online application, and it is important to remember that a high-quality application will improve your chances of receiving funding.
For all students
Grant | Award amount | Who is eligible | Application Process |
---|---|---|---|
ßÙßÇÂþ» Student Emergency Fund Grant | Maximum $500 to cover eligible expenses, which include medications, housing, and travel costs for special circumstances | Must be a currently enrolled ßÙßÇÂþ» student and demonstrate financial need | Apply online and provide information about your circumstances and needs |
Up to $500 for an approved professional development opportunity (such as conferences, test fees, professional clothing, etc.) |
Must be a currently enrolled ßÙßÇÂþ» student pursuing a professional development activity |
Apply online and provide details about the opportunity and associated costs | |
Internship Funds | Varied, ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 | Must be a current student pursuing a summer internship experience. Depending on the fund, there may be additional requirements (such as class year, major, financial need, or type of internship). | Apply online and provide details about the internship and your level of need. |
External scholarships | Varied | Must be a current student. Each scholarship has different requirements. | Apply for scholarships online or visit the office in UU-260. |
Varied | Each scholarship has different requirements. | Apply online. Applications open in March/April and are awarded for the upcoming year. | |
Varied | Must be a current student pursuing education abroad. Some scholarships have additional requirements (including class year, major, demographics, financial need, etc). | Apply online. | |
Varied | Must be an international student, with some having additional requirements (such as program of study, financial need, merit, etc). | Apply online. |
For undergraduate students
Grant | Award amount | Who is eligible | Application Process |
---|---|---|---|
Harpur Edge Student Support Fund | Up to $1,000 to pursue experiential learning opportunities. | Currently matriculated Harpur College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students must have a FAFSA on file and those with financial need who have not previously received support through this fund will have priority. | Apply online and provide information about your needs and the opportunity you will be pursuing. |
Harpur High-Impact Student Learning Endowment | Up to $4,000 to participate in a University-approved, high-impact learning opportunity. |
Must be a current undergraduate student enrolled in the Harpur College of Arts and Science with a GPA of at least 2.75, priority given to students with financial need |
Apply online and demonstrate that you have a well-developed experiential education pursuit that will contribute to your personal and intellectual growth. |
Scholars Award | $3,500 to participate in education abroad, summer community service projects, research, creative activities, internships, or an approved conference |
Must be a current student in the ßÙßÇÂþ» Scholars Program in good academic standing | Apply online. |
Kaschak Summer Research Grant | Up to $1,500 for expenses directly related to a summer research project in the field of social justice for women and/or girls | Must be a current undergraduate student enrolled in the Harpur College of Arts and Science with a GPA of at least 3.0 | Apply online and include a written report on your research. |
Pre-Law Grants, Awards, and Scholarships | $400-$5,000 | Must be an undergraduate student on the pre-law track. Each individual fund may have additional requirements that vary (including financial need, demographics, interests, class year, etc). | Apply online. Each has different instructions, with many requiring essays. |
For graduate students
Grant | Award amount | Who is eligible | Application Process |
---|---|---|---|
Up to $400 per student per application and lifetime maximum of $2,800 per student to support travel expenses for conference and research opportunities. | Must be a current graduate student traveling to participate in a recognized conference or research opportunity. | Apply online for retroactive reimbursement, providing all receipts and necessary documentation. | |
Up to $1,000 to support and fund conferences sponsored by the Graduate Community. | Must be a current graduate student. | Apply online and provide detailed information about the proposed event and budget. | |
Up to $150 per semester per child. | Must be a current graduate student with a child attending a licensed daycare center. | Apply online. | |
Harpur College Graduate Student Grants | Up to $2,000 to provide funding that will foster the research, creative activities, scholarship, and professional development of graduate students. | Must be a current student enrolled in a master's or PhD program in Harpur College. | Apply online with your CV, description of your proposed activity to be funded, and an itemized budget. |
Loans
Loans serve as a financial lifeline for students, offering a means to cover educational expenses such as tuition, books, and living costs. These monetary advances provide students with the necessary funds to invest in their education, with the expectation of repayment on a predetermined schedule.
Loan | Award amount | How to apply | Repayment |
---|---|---|---|
Short-Term Uncollateralized Emergency Loans | Maximum $250 for undergraduate students and $500 for graduate students | Complete a Student Loan Application at the Foundation Accounting Services window in Old O’Connor G042. | Must be repaid within 8 weeks or before the last day of classes, whichever is first. |
Short-Term Collateralized Loans | Maximum $500 for undergraduate students and maximum $600 for graduate students | Apply at the Financial Aid & Student Records Office (Admissions Center, Rm 112). You must provide some kind of collateral, such as student aid checks, to be approved for this loan. | Must be repaid within 8 weeks or before the last day of classes, whichever is first. |
Federal Nursing Loan | Varies depending on class year and financial need (maximum $5,460-$8,400). Must be a current nursing student. | Application for this type of financial aid is done by filling out and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and basic eligibility requirements must be met, as determined by the federal government. | There is a fixed interest rate of 5%, which the federal government pays while the student is enrolled in at least 6 credits and during a nine-month grace period. After this point, the loan is repaid the way a traditional student loan is. |