HCM’s first publication release of 2026 examines state-level strategies for scaling emergency aid
Our newest publication, State Strategies for Scaling Emergency Aid: Insights from a Florida Landscape Analysis, examines how states can expand emergency aid grants to support college student retention and completion.
Emergency aid grants—typically $500 to $1,000—help students cover unexpected expenses such as medical bills, car repairs, child care, or utility costs that can disrupt their education. While many colleges offer emergency aid, only a small number of states provide statewide funding or policy support.
Using Florida as a case study, the brief finds that despite low tuition and long-standing tuition freezes, affordability remains a challenge due to high non-tuition costs. Tuition and fees account for just 29 percent of community college costs and 12 percent at universities, and low-income students still face annual funding gaps even after financial aid and part-time work. Despite the absence of state-level emergency aid policies or funding, three-quarters of Florida’s public universities and about half of its state colleges operate their own emergency aid programs—though program design, implementation, and alignment with national best practices vary widely. As a result, Florida offers a valuable opportunity to examine how states can build on existing institutional efforts to develop more coordinated, cohesive, and scalable approaches to emergency aid.
Drawing on a literature review, lessons from other states, interviews with Florida institutions and stakeholders, and an assessment of campus-based programs, the paper offers actionable guidance for policymakers. It highlights concrete options for building on existing campus efforts, navigating policy and funding trade-offs, and advancing statewide emergency aid strategies.
