Scholarship Search

Life happens. We believe all students should have access to resources they need to succeed in college and finish their education. The Student Emergency Fund is an emergency grant for Alliant University students who are dealing with unanticipated and/or catastrophic life events that might otherwise cause the student to stop or pause their educational goals. The funding is provided by the Alliant Education Foundation and is managed by a campus committee. Applications are accepted for consideration by June 30, 2027. Applications will be reviewed and grants awarded based on available funds. Once funds are exhausted, additional applications will not be accepted or reviewed. All award decisions are final.

Students are eligible to receive funding once an academic year. Awards are generally capped at $500.00. Please note, the Student Emergency Fund may affect future financial aid award packages for students and may be considered taxable income. Student considering applying are urged to consult with their financial aid advisor or the Student Business Services office for more information regarding the impact of this grant.

This grant will only be awarded after a student has submitted an online application, provided supporting documentation of their emergency, and submitted a personal statement. Please note, every situation is considered on a case-by-case basis. The Committee will consider the nature and urgency of each situation. Generally, in order to access the fund, a student must have exhausted all other available financial options (which may include financial aid awards). However, this looks different for every student. The Committee encourages all students experiencing an emergency to apply so options can be explored.

Please note that this is a grant of emergency funding and not a scholarship.

Expenses covered include, but are not limited to:

• Personal medical, dental, or mental health emergencies
• Emergency family medical or death expenses for those you financially support
• Safety and health related needs
• Rent and utilities, in case of emergency
  • For example: If you are hospitalized and unable to work, therefore you cannot pay your rent
• Care for dependents
• Costs related to major accidents or loss due to fire, theft, or natural disaster

Expenses NOT covered include, but are not limited to:

• Tuition and fees from Alliant, or any other expenses at other institutions of higher education
• Legal fees
• Student travel/conference/lodging
• Non-essential utilities (as determined by Committee)
• Costs of entertainment, recreation, personal, or non-emergency travel expenses
• Outstanding personal debt, including credit card debt

The Committee will request documentation and reserves the right to request receipts.

Funds are available until they run out, or by June 30, 2027.

Eligibility Consideration

• Eligibility is limited to one AEF Student Emergency Fund award per calendar year.
• Student must be in good academic standing or supply a relevant letter from their Program Director
• Student must be currently taking classes at Alliant University
  • During summer semester, student must be registered for at least six (6) credits for fall semester if not enrolled in summer classes
• Student must submit a completed online application, a personal statement, and supplementary documents showing financial need
• Students are only eligible to receive this grant once per calendar year
• Students who receive Alliant tuition waivers or Alliant-issued grants are not eligible to receive this scholarship (e.g. EduConnect)
• Students must have exhausted all other financial options (considered on a case by case basis)
• All students are welcome to apply, independent of immigration status

Application Process

• Submit your completed application
• Submit your personal statement: 
  • Tell us what happened
  • Explain why this was unanticipated
  • Specify amount and purpose of funds requested; and
    Tell us how this affects your education.
• Submit your documentation of financial need (For example, include a copy of a bill, quote for a procedure, demand for rent, etc.)
• Once all submission requirements are met, a representative from the Committee will contact you as quickly as possible to set up a time to speak. Please thoroughly review the requirements before applying.

Eligibility Consideration

• Must have graduated from an Alliant University Undergraduate, Master's, or Doctoral degree program.
• Must meet all admission requirements and be fully admitted and confirmed into an Alliant University Graduate degree program.
• The award is only available to students starting a new program during 2026-2027.
• Students who receive Alliant tuition waivers or other Alliant-issued grants are not eligible to receive this grant.

Grant Award Amounts

• $2,500 for Alliant Alumni who enroll in a Masters Degree level program; $5,000 for Alliant Alumni who enroll in a Doctoral Degree level program

Awarding of Funds

• Award recipients must be enrolled full-time and must be continuously enrolled for continued eligibility for the full amount of the award. 
• The student must apply by the add/drop date of a term or semester to be eligible to receive the grant in that respective term.
• Award for Master's degree level is spread over two years of $1,250 per academic year.  Award for Doctoral degree level is spread over four years of $1,250 per academic year. 
• For 15-week and 16-week semester-based students, the award funds will be disbursed in increments of $625 per upcoming Fall and Spring semester for the continuation of the program until the scholarships have been exhausted.
• For 8-week term-based students, the award funds will be disbursed in increments of $312.50 per upcoming August, October, January, and March term for the continuation of the program until the scholarships have been exhausted.
• The scholarship will only be applied to student tuition and fee balances at Alliant University
• Students who lose eligibility after being selected/awarded due to extenuating circumstances may apply for reinstatement.  Approval for reinstatement of scholarship eligibility is not guaranteed. Denial of reinstatement requests is not subject to appeal.

Are you interested in leadership and considering a master’s and credential program? Apply to one of our participating Master’s and Credential pathways to qualify for the Doctorate Pathway Grant, which allows you to pursue your Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership and Management (EdD) at Alliant University for a tuition cost of just $12,512.

Upon successfully completing the master’s and credential program and being accepted into the EdD program, grant recipients will receive up to twelve (12) term-based tuition grants, reducing the total cost of tuition for the doctoral program to only $12,512. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your career and education!

Eligibility
To be considered for this grant, applicants must:

1. Be a first-time applicant for one of the following Master's and Credential program pathways:
   • Master of Arts in Education with Preliminary Teaching Credential (Single Subject, Multiple Subject, or Education Specialist)
   • Master of Education - Educational Administration with Administrative Services Credential (ASC)
2. Register for the grant using the following link: CLICK HERE
3. Meet all admission requirements, be fully admitted and confirmed, and begin one of the approved master/credential programs for the October 2026 term.
4. Submit an executed Enrollment Agreement on or before October 16, 2026.

Grant Deadline: October 16, 2026

Eligibility Considerations:

• The Doctorate Pathway Grant is for first-time applicants only.  Students who are currently enrolled in or were previously enrolled in an Alliant master’s or credential program and did not complete the degree are not eligible for this grant.
• Following successful completion of the master's and credential program associated with their October 2026 term enrollment, students will have up to 16 months to meet all admission requirements, be fully admitted and confirmed, and begin the EdD program.
• Those who receive Preferred Pricing tuition reductions, Alliant tuition waivers, or any Alliant-issued scholarships or grants are NOT eligible to receive this grant. This grant cannot be combined with any other School of Education grant for the October 2026 term.

Awarding of Funds:

• Students awarded the grant may receive up to twelve disbursements over twelve terms, reducing the total cost of tuition to $12,512.
• Term-based disbursements of the grant will reduce tuition to $272 per unit, exact amount of the grant will be subject to existing tuition rates.
• The award recipient must be enrolled full-time and remain continuously enrolled in the master’s and credential program to maintain eligibility
• Upon entering the EdD program, recipients must remain continuously enrolled in twelve consecutive terms to receive the full grant
• Recipients must maintain good academic standing, defined as a minimum GPA of 3.0 at Alliant University, across all programs (Credential with Master’s and Doctorate)
• Students who lose eligibility due to extenuating circumstances may apply for reinstatement.  Reinstatement is not guaranteed, and decisions are not subject to appeal.

Please see Alliant Grant FAQ for additional information on grant awarding and eligibility requirements
It is the responsibility of the recipient to ensure they fully understand all terms and conditions associated with their offer. Students must remain in compliance with all university policies and grant requirements and may be required to verify their eligibility each term/semester/trimester. Any failure to meet all terms may result in the loss of grant.

Note: Meeting the eligibility requirements for the grant selection process does not guarantee that you will receive a grant award.

The Tuition Bridge Grant is a need-based award designed to support students who demonstrate financial need and have remaining unmet costs after all other financial aid has been applied. This grant helps bridge the gap between a student’s available resources and the total tuition and required fees, enabling continued progress toward degree completion.

Awards are determined based on a wholistic review of each student’s financial situation, including demonstrated need, enrollment status, and satisfactory academic progress. Priority may be given to students who are nearing completion of their program or who face unexpected financial challenges that could otherwise interrupt their education.

The Tuition Bridge Grant aims to reduce financial barriers, promote persistence, and support student success by ensuring that temporary funding shortfalls do not prevent students from achieving their academic goals. Eligibility Considerations

• Must be actively enrolled in the 2026 Fall Semester, Fall Trimester, or October Term in a credential or degree program.
• Must submit a completed application, including a statement of financial hardship.
• Must have a 2026-2027 FAFSA on file and demonstrate financial need.
• Must have remaining unmet tuition and fee charges after all other aid has been applied.
• Must have accepted or been determined ineligible for all federal loan eligibility including the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.
• Must be in good academic standing, defined as maintaining a minimum Alliant International University GPA of 3.0 and meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
• Must be enrolled full-time or in final session.
• Must not be receiving an Alliant tuition waiver. Students receiving other institutional aid may be considered; however, total institutional funding may be limited to ensure equitable distribution of funds.
• Must not be in default on federal student loans and otherwise qualify for federal student aid.

Awarding of Funds

• Grant is last-dollar funding and is applied after all other financial aid.
• Awards are only to be applied to courses required for program completion and not audits, retakes, or non-required electives.
• Awards cannot be used for DEX registration beyond 4 semesters/trimesters or 8 terms.
• Award amounts will vary based on individual need and will not exceed the student’s remaining tuition and required fee balance for the period.
• Awards may be subject to minimum and maximum thresholds as determined by the University.
• Priority consideration may be given to students who are nearing program completion or who demonstrate significant, documented financial hardship.
• Funds will be awarded as a single disbursement for the applicable term and applied directly to institutional tuition and required fee charges. No funds will be disbursed directly to students.
• Funds will be disbursed after the add/drop period, provided all eligibility requirements are met.
• Changes in enrollment or registration may result in a reduction or cancellation of the award.
• Awards are subject to adjustment in accordance with institutional refund policies and, where applicable, federal Return of Title IV (R2T4) regulations.
• Students who lose eligibility due to extenuating circumstances may apply for reinstatement. Approval is not guaranteed, and decisions are not subject to appeal.
• All awards are determined through a wholistic review and are subject to funding availability and institutional discretion.
• The University reserves the right to revise or rescind awards based on changes in eligibility, funding, or institutional policy.