Home → Math/SDS/DS Majors and Minors → Current Continuing Students → Special circumstances funding
Every year, an estimated 2,000 mathematics and quantitative majors across the U.S. come within reach of graduation, only to be
derailed by modest, unexpected financial setbacks. These students are academically qualified, career-ready, and determined. What they lack is a safety net. Approximately 14,000 STEM students leave college each year without a degree due to financial gaps of under $3,000. The U.S. is not producing enough graduates in AI, data science, quantitative finance, and research. The result: a weakened pipeline of homegrown talent in mathematical sciences.
The National Math Talent Fund provides modest, flexible cash awards to math and quantitative majors within four semesters of
graduation, supporting high-potential students facing financial instability beyond their control, often without family safety nets or
access to emergency aid. MAA brings a 100+ year history of advancing math education with a nationwide network to rapidly identify students in need. Last Mile Education Fund delivers a scalable, proven model with demonstrated ROI and impact.
Learn more about the National Math Talent Fund: https://maa.org/for-students/
The University of Arizona sometimes has funding available to help students in emergency situations. Check out the options at https://financialaid.arizona.edu/types-of-aid/one-time-special-circumstance-funding
The Last Mile Education Fund assists students in certain majors who are near graduation and facing financial obstacles to graduation. They are continually looking for additional funding sources with expanded eligibility, so check their site for updated details! This organization has partnered with the Mathematical Association of America for the National Math Talent Fund listed above. https://www.lastmile-ed.org/student-funding-ops