Graduation & Retention Network Student Fund

The Graduation & Retention Network understands that students may experience unanticipated, temporary financial hardships and we never want these situations to prevent you from continuing class or graduating. Funded solely by donors through the USC Foundation, the Graduation & Retention Network Student Fund is available to currently enrolled students for verifiable expenses that are defined as unexpected, unforeseen, unavoidable and urgent in nature. The fund is not intended to be used for routine expenses or as a consistent supplement to a student’s education funding sources. Applying is not a guarantee that you will receive funds, as disbursements are based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to:

  • availability of funds
  • the nature of your hardship, and
  • documentation you’re able to provide

The University may place a cap on payment amounts at differing times during the semester based on remaining funds available. Students may be asked to use all or part of any unused financial aid eligibility, such as Federal Direct Loans or Parent Plus loans, along with any funds we can provide to achieve your desired financial outcome. Once funds have been exhausted during a semester, all requests will be denied, but students may apply again the following semester. All decisions are final, though students may be encouraged to re-apply with more specific documentation. Typically, the maximum award is $2,000.

The Student Success Center is available to assist with creating a budget for submission. The Graduation & Retention Network Student Fund is a university resource facilitated and overseen by the First-Generation Center and Graduation & Retention Network. If you need assistance in determining what to provide in addition to the minimum requirements above, please contact the Student Success Center’s Money Management Program and someone can meet to help recommend types of documents which may justify financial need and create a financial plan.

These considerations are principal to the decision-making process:

  • Please note unwillingness to take out student loans does not constitute a financial hardship. 
  • The applicant has remaining need based on the current year Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • The student has been verified as eligible for funding by Financial Aid and Scholarships (i.e. student has not exceeded their maximum award). 
  • All other resources, including emergency loans through Financial Aid and Scholarships and the Carolina Cares Fund must have been considered and are insufficient, unavailable, or not available in a timely manner. 
  • Need for financial assistance is not a result of one’s own actions.
  • Student has demonstrated a good faith effort to explore other funding options.
  • Funds cannot be used for tuition. 

Funding decisions will be made as expeditiously as possible with a goal of seven to ten business days from application if all documentation is provided.  Lastly, students must take care of any existing balance (for fees, parking tickets, etc.) in advance of disbursement since funds are deposited into students’ accounts, and thus would be applied to expenses/fees outside of their intended purpose.

Award
Varies
College/Department
Provost Office
Deadline
Supplemental Questions
  1. Do you identify as first-gen (neither parent graduated with a bachelor's degree)?
  2. Do you receive a Pell grant?
  3. Please select the options below that describe the reason(s) you are requesting funding:
  4. Please provide information on your circumstances. What has changed since the start of the semester, and what is your reason for applying for funding.
  5. Please list other university funds or outside groups you have applied to for funds for this requested need? (e.g. Carolina Cares Fund)
  6. Please itemize the amount(s) you are requesting and what each amount is contributing to:
  7. Total amount requested
  8. Supporting documentation/justification for expenses is necessary.  These may include: Reduced hours at work documented on a pay stub , notice of loss of employment, student or immediate family member , permanent address located in natural disaster area , copy of a medical bill/explanation of benefits from insurance.
  9. I understand that if I am provided funding I must meet at least once, in-person or virtually, with a First-Generation Center or Graduation and Retention Network staff member to discuss degree progression and individual needs.
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