Student Assistance Fund
The Student Assistance Fund will resume reviewing applications at the beginning of the Fall semester. If there is an urgent need, please contact Lindsay Van Ostenbridge (lvanostenb@brynmawr.edu)
Additional Information
Student Assistance Fund requests are reviewed by a committee comprised of administrators from Student Life, Student Success, the Impact Center, and Financial Aid. Students demonstrated financial need and the basis of the request are evaluated by committee members in making funding determinations.
All Bryn Mawr undergraduate students are eligible and encouraged to apply. When considering applications, students demonstrated financial need and the basis of the request are considered.
The Student Assistance Fund is meant to cover one-time unexpected expenses. These expenses include medical expenses, emergency travel, technology and clothing needs. Ongoing expenses such as regular medical expenses, rent, utilities, or tuition are not supported by the fund.
If you and your family have experienced a change in financial circumstances, please contact the Financial Aid Office.
The Student Assistance Fund committee is made up of representatives from Student Life, Student Success, the Impact Center, and Financial Aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Potentially. Student Support Services will work with you to identify resources for your individual needs. If you receive minimal or no financial aid, it is recommended you connect with the Office of Financial Aid to address your financial concerns.
The average awarded granted for the 2025-2026 academic year was $600. Typically awards do not exceed $1,000.
The Student Assistance Fund was created with the support of a generous donor to help support undergraduate students experiencing financial hardship due to unanticipated events or emergencies.
The committee reviews each application in full to determine eligibility for funding. Sometimes a grant cannot be provided because of the limits on financial aid packages or the scope of what our grants support. Even if you are not assisted with a grant, the committee will always try to work with a student to find resources or solutions for their particular situation if possible. This could include loan options.
Some requests, like winter attire, are one-time awards. Repeat requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you are in need, we encourage you to apply.
Applications are reviewed every two weeks. Please contact Lindsay Van Ostenbridge, if there is an immediate concern.
After you submit a request for funding, it is sent to the committee for review. Applications are reviewed every two weeks. If additional information is required in order to make a determination, someone from the committee will reach out to you.
The committee aims to disburse funds twice a month. On average, students receive funds around two weeks after completing their request and all supplementary paperwork. For domestic students (US citizens and permanent residents), payments will not be issued without a completed W-9 form on file. For international students, payments will not be issued without a GLACIER account.
If you have direct deposit set up with Bryn Mawr, the funds will be deposited directly in your account. If direct deposit is not set up, a check will be placed in your Bryn Mawr College mailbox.