The disaster relief scholarship covers up to the total amount of tuition costs — as much as $28,000.

Dharma Realm Buddhist University in Ukiah, California, has announced a needs-based scholarship program for students affected by natural disasters.

In light of recent events, such as Hurricane Harvey and the Mendocino Complex Fire, the scholarship covers attendance costs, including tuition and on-campus lodging, for the duration of both the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Masters of Arts in Buddhist Classics programs.

“We have personally seen the catastrophic impact of the recent fires on our community and would like to reach out to students who are struggling to afford a college education as a result,” says Dharma Realm President Susan Rounds. “We want to ensure that students are not forced to interrupt their education because of financial hardships created by a natural disaster.”

The disaster relief scholarship covers up to the total amount of tuition costs, which amounts to $21,000 for the graduate program and $28,000 for the undergraduate program.

In order to be eligible, students must have disaster-relief status with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, a comparable government agency, or demonstrate financial need as a direct result of livelihood, income, or property loss or damage.

“Over 75 percent of our undergraduate students receive financial aid from the University,” said Wayne Chen, director of admissions and financial aid. “The Disaster Relief Scholarship is part of our commitment to help our students meet their demonstrated financial needs. It is our sincere hope that family income or financial hardship does not divert students from their academic goals.”

Dharma Realm is the only accredited four-year college in Mendocino County, California. With a strong emphasis on Asian core texts and the integration of contemplative exercises, the university was granted initial accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

As a small school, Dharma Realm often accepts 10 to 12 students for each program per year. The school is offers education in the Buddhist tradition, aiming to promote self-reflective study.