How To's

Checklist: Apply for an Emergency Loan

Emergency loans are loans provided by the University of Houston to help support students in unique financial situations. These loans are given based on a students need to pay specific enrollment and student services fees while the student is awaiting final approval of their financial aid funds. These funds are provided on a short term basis and the student is financially responsible for the funds and is expected to make arrangements with the Office of Financial Services to pay the loan back in the agreed amount of time when the loan is dispersed.

  1. Establish a need for an Emergency or Short-Term loan.
    • Are you registered for classes?
    • Have you received your fee bill?
    • Is the tuition payment deadline approaching?
    • Are you temporarily short of funds to make your tuition payment?
    • Important Facts about Tuition Payment and Emergency/Short-Term Loans
      1. Missing the tuition payment deadline can result in a student being dropped from his/her classes.
      2. All monies are subject to available program funding.
      3. To be eligible for these loans, a student must NOT have ANY outstanding indebtedness to the University or have a current history of outstanding Short-Term/Emergency Loans, returned checks, financial stops, or other University debts.
      4. In the event that a student receives financial aid, all monies will first be applied to pay off the loan on or before any established due date for either loan program.
      5. Any portion of the loan which is paid prior to the 20th class in a regular semester, or, prior to the 15th class of a summer term, will be exempt from paying interest on the paid amount.
  2. Payment Options
    Remember that Installment Payment Plans are available: See: Installment Payment Plans
    1. Short-Term Loan Program
      • This loan program provides temporary assistance to students for current tuition and fees, books, and emergency expenses.
      • Short-term loans are payable in full within 45 days from the origination date or by the close of the semester (whichever comes first).
      • The interest rate is 12 percent per annum or one percent every 30-day period and is calculated from the loan origination date.
      • There is a $5 origination fee for this loan that is charged at the time the loan is initiated.
      • Residents and non-residents who are enrolled for a minimum of six hours may apply.
    2. Emergency Tuition Loan Program – Dean of Students Office
      • This loan is used exclusively for payment of current tuition and fees.
      • Short-term loans are payable in full within 90 days from the origination date or by the close of the semester (whichever comes first).
      • The Dean of Students Office will issue financial emergency loans for up to $300.
      • 12% per annum or 1% every 30 day period calculated from the loan origination date.
      • A $5.00 loan origination fee is charged to the student account.
      • Currently enrolled in at least (6) hours.
      • The student is only eligible for one loan per semester. Extenuating circumstances may be considered for one additional loan if specified criteria can be met.
      • Both resident and non-resident students may be eligible for the loan.
      • Emergency loan money issued by the Dean of Students Office will not be available for the purchase of books, tuition, room, and board.
    3. Emergency Loan Program - Book loans
      • Book Loans are available once a student is activated in his/her classes.
      • These loans must be used no later than the 20th class day.
      • Any unused portion of the book loan will automatically be re-credited to the student's account.
  3. Apply for Loan Assistance
    • Students can apply for an installment plan or loan assistance through myUH (PeopleSoft)
    • Students can apply for an Emergency Tuition Loan through the Dean of Students Office by completing the Emergency Loan Request Form and going through the preliminary screening interview.
      1. The student will apply for the loan in the Dean of Students Office An assistant dean will determine the students' financial eligibility and verify that the student is not on the delinquent list.
      2. The student will fill out the loan agreement and the Dean will sign off on the loan.
      3. The student will be directed to the Office of Student Financial Services and must bring:
        • Fee Bill
        • 2 forms of Photo I.D.
        • Address and Telephone numbers for TWO References (cannot be students)
        • Documentation associated with the emergency