Savanna Hoffman
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, and includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides $36 billion in emergency funding to higher education. Institutions accepting ARP funding must commit to providing at least 50% of the funds in the form of financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of a student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the COVID-19 crisis. Students will receive payment by direct deposit, and those who do not have a direct deposit designation will be mailed a check.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To provide emergency funding to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III) |
| Eligibility | International, DACA, undocumented, and students with exceptional needs are eligible for HEERF III funds. |
| Funding | Institutions accepting ARP funding must commit to providing at least 50% of the funds in the form of financial aid grants to students. |
| Payment method | Students will receive payment by direct deposit. |
| Use cases | HEERF III funds can be used for any component of the student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the COVID-19 crisis, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, child care, and tuition. |
| Reporting | Institutions are required to post quarterly reports on their primary website no later than 10 calendar days after the calendar quarter. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility criteria for HEERF III-ARP student funding
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing for education stabilization through emergency funding to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III). Institutions accepting ARP funding must commit to providing at least 50% of the funds as financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of a student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the coronavirus.
Enrollment Status
Some institutions require students to be enrolled in a specific number of credit hours or to be enrolled in degree-seeking programs. For example, at Cowley College, students must be enrolled in one or more credit hours for the specified semester to qualify for HEERF III funding. South Plains College mentions that students enrolled at any time from March 13, 2020, forward may be eligible for ARP (HEERF III) funding.
Financial Need
Institutions are generally required to prioritize students with exceptional financial need. This includes students who receive federal Pell Grants, have a low Expected Family Contribution (EFC), or face extraordinary financial circumstances. For instance, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) has prioritized awarding grants to students based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) ranges.
Impact of Coronavirus
HEERF III-ARP funding is intended to assist students with expenses and emergency costs related to the coronavirus pandemic. This includes costs for food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, childcare, and tuition. Institutions may prioritize students who have been significantly impacted by the pandemic and require assistance in managing these unexpected expenses.
Student Status
The eligibility criteria for HEERF III-ARP funding have expanded to include a wider range of student statuses. Under the ARP, international students, DACA recipients, undocumented students, and asylum seekers may now be eligible for funding, depending on the institution's criteria.
Application and Notification Process
Students may be required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a similar application process. Eligible students are typically notified via email or through their student portals. Some institutions may also require students to set up direct deposit information to receive the funds promptly.
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How to apply for HEERF III-ARP student funding
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing for education stabilization through emergency funding to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III). Institutions accepting ARP funding must commit to providing at least 50% of the funds as financial aid grants to students. These grants can be used for any component of the student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the coronavirus.
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before applying for HEERF III-ARP funding, it is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. The criteria may vary depending on the institution, but generally, students with exceptional financial need, such as those receiving Pell grants, are prioritized. Additionally, through the American Rescue Plan, DACA and international students are now eligible for HEERF III funds.
Step 2: Understand the Application Process
The application process for HEERF III-ARP funding may differ depending on the institution. Some colleges, like Cowley College, may not require an application, and students are automatically considered based on their enrollment and financial status. Other institutions, like South Plains College, may have a more formal application process, where students need to request funds and demonstrate their immediate needs.
Step 3: Gather Required Documentation
When applying for HEERF III-ARP funding, you may need to provide certain documentation to support your application. This could include proof of enrollment, financial statements, and other relevant documents that demonstrate your financial need.
Step 4: Complete and Submit the Application
Complete the HEERF III-ARP funding application accurately and thoroughly. Pay close attention to all the requirements and provide all the necessary information. Submit the application by the specified deadline.
Step 5: Await Notification
After submitting your application, await notification from the institution regarding the status of your application. They will typically inform you of your eligibility and the amount of funding you will receive.
Step 6: Receive the Funds
If your application is successful, you will receive the HEERF III-ARP funds. The funds are usually disbursed through direct deposit or by check. The funds can then be used to cover eligible expenses, such as tuition, fees, course materials, housing, or other emergency costs related to the coronavirus.
It is important to note that the availability of HEERF III-ARP funding may vary depending on the institution and the specific round of funding. Be sure to check with your college or university's financial aid office for the most up-to-date information on the application process, eligibility requirements, and funding availability.
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How HEERF III-ARP student funding is distributed
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing for education stabilization through emergency funding to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III). Institutions accepting ARP funding must commit to providing at least 50% of the funds as financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of a student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the coronavirus.
HEERF III-ARP student funding is distributed to eligible students through their respective educational institutions. Institutions like Cowley College, South Plains College, Jefferson Community College, and the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) have received federal funding from HEERF III-ARP to provide financial aid grants to students. These grants are intended to assist students with expenses related to the continued disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The distribution of HEERF III-ARP funding to students varies across institutions. Some institutions, such as Cowley College, use a block awarding process to distribute grants based on enrollment and financial status, with Pell-eligible students being prioritized. Other institutions, like South Plains College, distribute funds directly to students for specific expenses, including food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, and childcare.
At FIT, HEERF III-ARP funding is distributed using the State University of New York (SUNY) awarding methodology, which considers a student's Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). The base grant amounts for eligible full-time and part-time degree-seeking students are $1,184 and $592, respectively. Additionally, FIT utilizes a discretionary pool to provide emergency grants to students with exceptional needs or extraordinary financial circumstances who did not receive a block grant.
Students can receive HEERF III-ARP funding by applying for grants through their educational institution. Institutions may have specific eligibility criteria and application processes in place to determine the distribution of funds. It is important for students to stay informed about the requirements and guidelines provided by their respective institutions to ensure they receive the necessary support during the ongoing challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Institutions offering HEERF III-ARP student funding
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $36 billion in support to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III). This funding aims to assist students with expenses related to the COVID-19 crisis and ensure learning continuity during the pandemic. Institutions accepting ARP funding must allocate at least 50% of the funds as financial aid grants to students, catering to any component of the student's cost of attendance or emergency costs due to the coronavirus.
Several institutions are offering HEERF III-ARP student funding, including:
Cowley College
Cowley College in Kansas is accepting HEERF III-ARP funding. The college is awarding grants through block awards with no separate application process required. Cowley prioritizes students with exceptional financial needs, such as Pell Grant recipients, and bases award amounts on enrollment and financial status. The college received a minimum of $2,576,229 in HEERF III funds, with $1,530,637 designated for student grants.
South Plains College
South Plains College (SPC) has received HEERF III-ARP funding to provide direct support to students for expenses related to the coronavirus. These expenses may include food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, child care, and tuition fees. SPC uses a rubric to assess applications and determine the immediate needs of students. The college emphasizes its commitment to assisting all eligible students impacted by the pandemic.
Dakota County Technical College (DCTC)
DCTC, a two-year technical college in Minnesota, has received HEERF III-ARP funding. The college prioritizes students with the greatest financial needs, making supplemental distributions to Pell-eligible students. DCTC received $2,569,369 in Direct Student Aid grants, allocating 50% of the funds for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022. The college also utilized HEERF Institutional Funds to pay off student balances from Spring 2020 to Spring 2021 and to hire additional academic advisors and mental health professionals.
Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU)
NDNU has received HEERF III-ARP funding, with $1,615,183 allocated for emergency financial aid grants to students. The university developed an allocation matrix based on students' Pell status, Expected Family Contribution (EFC), academic level, and enrollment status. NDNU prioritizes students with exceptional financial needs, in accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidelines.
These are a few examples of institutions offering HEERF III-ARP student funding. Each institution may have its own eligibility criteria and application processes, so it is essential for students to review the specific requirements of their chosen institution.
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How to decline HEERF III-ARP student funding
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021. It provides for education stabilization through emergency funding to institutions of higher education through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF III). Institutions accepting ARP funding must commit to providing at least 50% of the funds as financial aid grants to students, which can be used for any component of a student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs related to the COVID-19 crisis.
If you are a student who has been offered a HEERF III grant but would like to decline it, there are a few things you should know and a few steps you should take. Firstly, it is important to understand that this funding is intended to provide emergency financial assistance to students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants can be used for a range of expenses, including food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, child care, and payment of tuition and fees.
If you feel that you do not require this financial assistance and wish to decline the grant, you should contact your institution's Financial Aid Office as soon as possible. Each institution may have a different process for declining the grant, and they can provide you with specific instructions and guidance. You may be required to complete a form or submit your decision in writing.
It is important to note that by declining the grant, you are allowing the institution to reallocate the funds to other students in need. Additionally, keep in mind that if you change your mind later, there may not be additional funds available, as institutions typically process and distribute HEERF III funds in rounds, and the availability of funding is not continuous.
In some cases, if you do not take any action to accept the grant, it may be automatically applied to your outstanding tuition balance or refunded to you directly. However, this may vary depending on your institution's policies, so it is always best to confirm with their Financial Aid Office.
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Frequently asked questions
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) is a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides $36 billion in emergency funding to higher education institutions.
The purpose of the funding is to provide emergency financial aid grants to students to cover expenses related to the COVID-19 crisis, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health and mental care, and childcare.
Eligibility criteria vary by institution, but generally, students with exceptional financial need, such as Pell Grant recipients, are prioritized. International, DACA, undocumented, and asylum-seeking students may also be eligible.
The application process varies by institution. Some schools may require students to complete an application or form, while others may automatically consider all enrolled students. Students should contact their school's financial aid office for specific instructions and eligibility requirements.
