Unexpected Hardship
We always hope that each student will be able to attend Tufts without facing unexpected hardship. However, we know that in the span of their undergraduate years, some students may find the associated cost of an opportunity to be prohibitive. To that end, we have created a fund to assist students who need this support.
Requests for Funding
The following process has been designed for students to request funding for academic and co-curricular opportunities and certain unexpected costs.
- Students with emergency situations should contact the Dean of Students Office.
- To request a health reimbursement, please visit our Health and Wellness page.
- For information on food support, please visit the Food Resources page.
Undergraduate students with a family contribution of $10,000 and below are eligible to apply for funding. Applications will be reviewed by FIRST and Financial Aid for approval.
Grant awards typically will not exceed $500.00, which is the maximum total amount that a student may receive over their undergraduate years at Tufts. Students are encouraged to apply for funding as needed, and based on funding limitations, we will do our best to support all requests.
If approved, you will receive instructions for the allocation process. Funds are generally awarded on a reimbursement basis with receipts. If possible, we may be able to purchase items, tickets, travel, and accommodations directly.
Examples of funding requests
- Essential technology support including repairs, replacement, or new purchases of computers/tablets (Mobile phones are excluded)
- Fees or equipment for a course not covered by financial aid such as Music, Art, Photography, and EMT
- Athletic equipment for team sports
- Conference fees/expenses
- Students presenting at a conference must first apply to the Undergraduate Research Fund. You may then apply to this fund if you have additional costs above the award provided by the Undergraduate Research Fund.
- Professional attire and Winter clothing (maximum of $200.00 total for clothing)
- Graduate school expenses including application fees and essential study materials such as MCAT, LSAT, GRE prep materials
Examples of items that do not qualify
- Tuition
- Textbooks
- Mobile phones
- Housing costs such as rent and utilities
- Storage costs
- Local transportation between home and Tufts
- Parking costs and auto rentals
- Travel home for holidays/breaks