We know that sometimes you need financial help in a hurry. Whether you just need a few hundred dollars for a short-term loan through SFS or more extensive help, we've got resources for you to explore. Read below for options available to you, either through SFS or other departments at the University.
The Emergency Loan is a short-term, interest-free loan available to undergraduate students for up to $500 and graduate students for up to $750 per semester. The loan is due on the last day of the month after it is taken out (e.g. a loan taken out any day in February will be due March 31). As long as it is paid on time, there is no fee or interest. If it is paid late, there is a one-time late fee of $10.
To apply for an Emergency Loan, please email [email protected] rather than visiting Carruthers Hall in person. Emergency Loans can only be obtained during the semester (i.e., the first day of classes through the last day of classes), and are only available to Summer Session students if they are enrolled in the following fall term. The last day for students graduating in the spring to obtain an Emergency Loan is March 31. The last day for students graduating in the fall to obtain an Emergency Loan is October 31. Past due balances must be paid prior to obtaining an Emergency Loan.
Be sure to sign up for direct deposit if you have not already done so! Information is at https://sfs.virginia.edu/tuition-billing/billing-payment/refunds/direct-deposit.
Think you may need more than this? Check out the Hoo Needs Help section below.
The Hoo Needs Help program is a partnership between the Division of Student Affairs and Student Financial Services. Aid may come in a variety of forms, including grants, loans and/or university and community resources. We will do our best to contact students within 5-7 business days of their application being submitted. Response times may be longer than usual over weekends, holidays, or when the University is not in session. After a student submits their application, someone will reach out to you to discuss all options available to you, including unused financial aid. Click here to get started.
The GradBridge loan provides support to graduate students transitioning from fellowship stipends to wage assistantships or other related employment statuses. To request a GradBridge loan, contact us at [email protected] or (434) 982-6000 to speak with one of our staff. We'll help you understand how the process works and get your loan started.
We'll send you a DocuSign form for you to complete, and you can borrow up to $2,500 per term. Once you have completed the form, you should generally expect to receive your funds within 7 days. If you have set up direct deposit, you will likely receive your funds sooner than that. If you do not set up direct deposit, we will send a paper check to your current mailing address in SIS. We highly recommend you set up direct deposit!
You'll have until the end of the term to pay off the loan completely, and you can make partial payments along the way on your balance due.