HEERF Emergency Relief Fund
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) was a federal emergency grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Education as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. HEERF allocated funds to support individuals and businesses/organizations, including colleges and universities, affected by the pandemic and economic downturn.
The University of Texas at Austin received funds under HEERF II and HEERF III and has disbursed all emergency assistance funds that were allocated for students through this federal program. No additional HEERF emergency funds are anticipated.
Financial and Emergency Resources for UT Students
There are several existing UT resources available to students who are experiencing financial challenges, related to tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental health care), or other emergency costs.
Emergency Services
Student Emergency Services
Through individualized consultation, Student Emergency Services provides assistance, intervention, and referrals to support students navigating challenging or unexpected issues that impact their well-being and academic success.Programs within Student Emergency Services:
- Legal Services for Students, Office of the Dean of Students
Provides legal counsel and guidance to currently enrolled students. - Student Emergency Fund
The Student Emergency Fund exists to support the financial wellness and personal wellbeing of our students. The fund aims to provide financial support when a verified emergency has impacted a student’s health, safety, or wellbeing. - UT Outpost
Free on-campus food pantry and career closet for all currently enrolled students at UT Austin.
2-1-1 Texas
A comprehensive list of support services across the state of Texas, by zip code.
Tuition Costs
Financial Aid Appeals
If changes in your or your family’s lives have impacted you financially, you may be eligible to submit a special circumstance appeal. On exception, The Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid will review and consider changes to a student’s available aid based on the information provided.
Short-term Loans (Tuition and Emergency)
Two types of short-term loans — emergency cash loans and tuition loans — are available to help students in immediate financial need. The interest rate for both loans is 4% APR. You may access the applications for tuition and emergency cash loans through UT Direct.
Texas Financial Wellness
Available to help students improve their financial health and security. Through one-on-one counseling and workshops, Texas Financial Wellness can provide the tools and resources students need to make healthy financial decisions during their academic career and beyond graduation.
Housing Support
Off-Campus Living
Provides students with support as they search for housing, sign leases, find roommates and navigate life as an off-campus student. Our site offers tools and resources such as our Off-Campus Housing Finder, city resources, events to build community and tips to find affordable housing in Austin.
Health Resources
University Health Services
UHS provides medical care and patient education to UT students. UHS offers a variety of services and you can make an appointment online or by phone.
The Counseling and Mental Health Center
Provides counseling, psychiatric, consultation, and prevention services that facilitate students’ academic and life goals and enhance their personal growth and well-being. All UT Austin students have access to the 24/7 Crisis Line and 24/7 confidential chat and virtual counseling services through My SSP.
Specialized Resources
Veteran and Military Affiliated Services
Veteran and Military Affiliated Services helps all students using federal and state veterans’ education benefits. We walk current and prospective students through the benefits application and certification process, provide tailored enrollment/admission support, provide veteran-centered academic support, career services, health care and wellness resources, veteran specific scholarships, and other programming meant to support the ongoing success of veterans and military affiliated students on campus.
Institute for Military and Veteran Family Wellness
We provide peer support and transition assistance programing for veteran spouses, military spouses, veteran and military families including those who are not students at the University of Texas at Austin.
Emergency Loans, International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Texas Global
Students can apply for tuition or emergency cash loans.
Horns Helping Horns
A program for students who are coming to the University with no familial support, had experience with the foster care system, homelessness, or being an emancipated minor. The program provides students with advocacy, community, and support through their time at UT Austin.
To learn more about The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and how funding was distributed, please visit the HEERF/CARES Act Compliance page.