Student Urgent Needs

Bowdoin’s Student Urgent Needs area goes beyond traditional financial aid to ensure that no student’s education is disrupted by unexpected expenses. This fund provides timely support for needs that can make a crucial difference in a student’s day-to-day life, including:

• Travel for emergencies
• Unexpected medical expenses such as emergency room visits, dental procedures (especially wisdom teeth removal), eyeglasses, and medications
• Winter coats and boots (up to $350) for aided first-year and transfer students
• Meal support for aided students who remain on campus during academic year breaks

During the 2025–26 academic year, the College provided $560,800 in donated funds to 611 students, and both the number of students needing aid and the cost of providing this aid continue to grow each year. Your gift to Student Urgent Needs helps ensure that when challenges arise, Bowdoin students have the resources and peace of mind they need to stay focused on their education and thrive.

"Thank you for supporting me with the seemingly insurmountable medical bills that I wouldn't have (and neither would my family) been able to afford. You have made such a big, big difference in my life!" - Bowdoin Class of 2025

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"Thank you so much for my plane ticket home. It made a huge difference to be with my family during a challenging time. Your support means everything to me and my family." - Bowdoin Class of 2026

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"During my time at Bowdoin, I was involved in a life changing car accident...The generosity of others allowed me to regain my footing academically and financially, and I would not have graduated without this support." - Bowdoin Class of 2024

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"Your support makes a meaningful difference, helping students overcome obstacles, remain focused on their education, and make the most of their Bowdoin experience. Whether helping a student access healthcare, return home during a family emergency, or prepare for their future, your generosity provides far more than financial assistance. It offers peace of mind, dignity, and the reassurance that there is a community invested in their success."
- Denise Shannon, Director of Finance and Planning for Student Affairs