In March, the U.S. Department of Education announced additional funding under the American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARPA) for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III). The funding is allocated to ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic at colleges and universities. Saint Mary’s University has been awarded a total allocation of $5 million for 2021, with $2.5 million allocated for student grants that prioritize students with exceptional financial need, such as those qualifying for Federal Pell grants. The remaining funds are allocated for institutional expenses related to COVID-19 operations.
Saint Mary’s allocated student grant awards on the basis of economic need, defined as the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated by the 2020-2021 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Grants were issued in amounts ranging from $750 to $2,000 for full-time students at the College and $500 to $1,500 for undergraduate and graduate students in the Schools of Graduate and Professional Programs. Student grants totaling $2.5 million were disbursed to 2,693 eligible students on November 17, 2021.
Qualifying students were notified of the grants via email. All grants have been disbursed and the program is complete. Grants were based on students’ completed FASFAs, on file as of November 10, 2021.
The Federal Department of Education provided guidance and parameters for distributing the student grants under ARPA:
- Funds are to be prioritized for students with exceptional need, such as those qualifying for Federal Pell grants.
- The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be utilized to determine student financial need.
- Funds can only be retained on student accounts by colleges and universities with the students’ authorization.
- Funds are not taxable as income to the recipients.
