A single unexpected expense—a medical bill, rent increase, or car repair—can derail a college student’s education. With more than half of students unable to access even $500 in the case of an emergency, relatively small expenses are a common and consequential barrier to persistence and completion.

Small, timely grants can reduce stress, stabilize basic needs, and improve retention and completion. While federal pandemic-era funding demonstrated the impact of emergency aid at scale, its expiration has left a significant gap.

In response, states are developing their own programs. This brief highlights emerging models and offers recommendations to ensure emergency aid is accessible, flexible, and effective—positioning it as a critical tool for supporting student success.