New Mexico State University recognizes that unexpected financial hardships can impact academic progress. The Aggie Emergency Aid Program, administered through Student Assistance Services (SAS), provides limited financial assistance to currently enrolled students facing urgent expenses.
How Emergency Aid Works
Emergency aid addresses current, urgent financial needs and does not reimburse past expenses. Students must complete an intake form and submit supporting documentation. Student Assistance Services reviews requests within 24-48 hours (excluding weekends) and may refer students to additional resources.
Eligible Expenses
✅ Covered Costs:
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Utilities & Housing: Emergency lodging, past-due essential utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer). Rent is only considered in extreme cases (e.g., sudden loss of housing, emergency eviction).
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Medical & Safety: Emergency prescriptions, unexpected medical costs, safety-related needs (e.g., lock changes).
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Academic & Transportation: Emergency textbook replacements, urgent vehicle repairs for commuting to school/work.
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Other Emergencies: Travel for a family emergency, replacement of essential belongings due to fire, theft, or natural disaster.
🚫 Not Covered:
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Routine bills (e.g., car payments, credit cards, personal loans)
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Non-essential utilities (e.g., cable, streaming services)
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Non-emergency travel, entertainment, or recreation
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Tuition, student fees, study abroad costs, fraternity/sorority dues
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Legal expenses, parking fines, or unrelated personal costs
Students may receive up to $500 in emergency aid during their academic career. Payments are processed after the census date, and requests must be submitted before final exams week. Eligibility requires students to be in good standing with the university, have a Scholar Dollar application on file, and be enrolled at least part-time in a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate program at NMSU-Las Cruces. A minimum GPA of 2.0 (undergraduates) or 3.0 (graduates) is required.
Requests are reviewed in order received and approved based on eligibility and available funds.
Required Documentation
Students must provide relevant documentation, such as:
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Past-due utility notices
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Eviction notices or proof of sudden housing loss
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Repair estimates from licensed mechanics
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Proof of residence in a disaster-declared area
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Police reports (for theft or safety concerns)
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Medical invoices or pharmacy receipts
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Death certificate, obituary, or funeral home documentation (for family emergency travel)
How to Apply
If you are facing an unexpected financial hardship, we encourage you to reach out to Student Assistance Services to discuss your situation and explore available resources. Please email saservices@nmsu.edu to provide your Aggie ID number, details about your request, and any relevant documentation. Our team will work with you to determine eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
Location:
NMSU Dean of Students Office
Corbett Center Student Union, Room 207
Las Cruces, NM 88003
For questions, call 575-646-1722 during business hours. Student Assistance Services responds within 24-48 hours, excluding weekends.
