Hardship Fund

We know that navigating unexpected expenses can be stressful, and we are here to support you. To help us process your request as quickly as possible, please provide as much supporting documentation as you can, such as itemized receipts, bills, repair estimates, or relevant notices. Providing clear proof of your expense or the specific situation helps us understand your needs and makes it easier for the committee to review your application effectively. Reach out if you have questions about what documentation to include.

Examples of supporting documentation:

• Itemized receipts
• Bills
• Repair estimates
• Medical documentation
• Utility Shut-off Notice
• Other documentation supporting the request

Please remember: the Hardship Fund can only be funded once per semester for no more than $500 per academic year. To request assistance, please complete and submit this form Hardship Fund: A Beacon for Students.

• ER Visit or Doctor Appointment: (receipt required after insurance processes the Explanation of Benefits)
• Insurance Balance Coverage:
• Car Repair: Minor car repairs, gas, etc. (Requests for routine maintenance, such as oil changes or tune-ups, will be denied).
• Rent and living expenses (applications may be approved if the request meets the criteria of an urgent and unexpected need).
• Essential utility bill(s)
• Emergency travel due to a family crisis
• Academic tests
• Replacement of essential belongings
• Technology disruption  (e.g., software, internet)

Note: This list is not exhaustive. Each application will be carefully reviewed.

• The Student Life office provides loaner laptops for students experiencing unexpected technology issues. Participating students are required to sign a semester agreement, which remains eligible for renewal for one additional consecutive semester.
• Students in Engineering or Computer Science may request technology assistance for specialized hardware if they demonstrate that their equipment has stopped working unexpectedly. Upon approval, the signed equipment agreement must be submitted within a three-day window; otherwise, the request will be dismissed for lack of response.

• Tuition and fees, including student account balances.
• Books or access codes (that are available through the Valpo Campus Store)
• School materials that can be purchased through the Valpo Campus Store
• Alcohol or drug-related offenses, tickets, legal fees, or jail bonds
• Non-essential utility bills (e.g., cable)
• Entertainment or recreational activities

Note:  In certain unforeseen situations, the Hardship Fund may assist with essential expenses such as transportation, including gas, car insurance, temporary living expenses, utilities, or other basic needs that directly impact a student’s ability to continue their education. Because every situation is unique to each student, the request is reviewed individually based on the specific unexpected and non-recurring nature of the hardship while providing equitable support by carefully considering each student’s immediate needs and circumstances surrounding the request.

Applications are reviewed confidentially by the committee. Students should expect to hear a response from the committee within 5 business days. If the request is approved, students are notified and asked to complete and submit the Acknowledgement Form. Students should receive funds within 1 to 2 weeks from the initial request date.

The hardship fund is one resource among many other means of support at Valpo.

Student Financial Services provides additional support to students surrounding financial aid, undergraduate scholarships, and tuition costs. They can assist in reviewing alternative means of assistance. You can contact the Financial Aid Office at or 219.464.5015.

Special Circumstance Forms

Are there financial circumstances that affect your ability to pay for school that could not be reflected on the FAFSA? By submitting this form, the Office of Financial Aid can review changes to income since the FAFSA has been filed or extraordinary expenses that the family is paying.

For circumstances impacting the academic year 2026-2027
Summer 2026, Fall 2026 and Spring 2027

• 2026-2027 Special Circumstance Form

• Community Resources for VU Students: Food, Housing, Legal Aid, Mortgage/Rent Assistance, Prescription Medicines, Utility Assistance, etc.
•  Porter County, IN Resource Guide: Crisis Support, Counseling, Shelter, Food, Clothing, Employment, Education, Healthcare, etc.
• Hilltop Community Food Pantry: Food Pantry, Mission Kitchen, and Porch Program
• Northwest Indiana Area Resources: Multi-service, Education, Employment, Food, and Health