Understanding Graduate Student Use of Emergency Financial Assistance

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 1:30 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Issues and Solutions for Entering and Completing Doctoral Programs (Table 8)

Abstract

Many graduate and professional students experience high levels of financial stress. Recent emergency financial assistance programs have been shown to positively affect undergraduates, but little is known about how these initiatives might support graduate students. This study examines the usage patterns and application requests from one need-based emergency grant at a large, R1 public university. We find that international graduate students and students pursuing academic doctorates are overrepresented in requesting grants. Analysis of individual application data showed that students typically seek assistance for educational supplies (such as a computer), family and dependent support, physical and mental health needs, immigration management, and other basic needs. These findings have implications for future initiatives targeting graduate students.

Authors

• Solomon Fenton-Miller, University of Iowa

• Katharine Broton, University of Iowa

• Rachel Valentine, University of Iowa