At University of Maryland Global Campus, we are aware of the day-to-day challenges that our students face as they pursue their education along with multiple competing priorities, and we understand that unexpected financial challenges pose an added struggle. The UMGC Student Aid Fund for Emergency Relief (SAFER) was established to assist UMGC students worldwide who are experiencing financial hardship related to an unforeseen emergency. In general, this fund is designed to help students meet several categories of need:
- Housing
- Food
- Childcare
- Technology
- Course material fees
Eligibility Requirements
Eligible students may receive a $500 SAFER award only once throughout their time at UMGC. To be eligible to apply for SAFER funds, you must:
- Have successfully completed a minimum of 6 credits at UMGC prior to submitting your application
- Be enrolled in a degree or certificate program
- Be enrolled at least half-time during the term in which you apply for SAFER
- 6+ credits for undergraduate and graduate 3-term programs
- 4+ credits for graduate 4-term programs
- Be in good academic standing (not on academic warning or probation)
- Meet requirements for Satisfactory Academic Progress
- Have a FAFSA on file at UMGC and have received a financial aid offer notification
- Not be employed at UMGC (this does not apply to student workers; student workers are eligible to apply)
- Have never previously received SAFER funds at UMGC
- Have a financial need arising from an emergency
Donate to the Student Aid Fund
UMGC's SAFER program is driven entirely by donations from our generous community. Without your contributions, UMGC would not be able to assist students who are facing a financial emergency. If you would like to support current and future UMGC students who benefit from this program, please consider donating to the emergency aid fund.
Additional Resources
Below are some financial resources available to you that we strongly recommend you review in addition to seeking UMGC SAFER aid:
FAFSA-Related Funding: Your completed FAFSA allows you to be considered automatically for many different types of financial assistance, including federal grant and student loan programs, as well as state and institutional scholarships and grants. If the income information that was reported on your current FAFSA has changed significantly due to a change or loss of household income or other benefits, please review our Professional Judgment webpage to see if you might qualify to be re-reviewed for aid eligibility. Additional information can be found on our Tuition and Financial Assistance page.
UMGC Veterans Assistance Fund: If you are a veteran, you may qualify for additional funding through our Veterans Assistance Fund. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, or anything related to the fund, please contact vesseyvrc@umgc.edu.
Federal and State Aid: While it is our hope that UMGC SAFER aid can provide the assistance you need at this time, we understand that many students have continuing financial needs related to their emergency situations. We recommend that you review the federal and state resources available to you:
Please note: If you are not a Maryland, District of Columbia, or Virginia resident, you are encouraged to check your state’s Department of Health and Human Services website.