Student Relief Funds

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) gives U.S. institutions of higher education the opportunity to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For fall and summer 2023 semesters, Utah State University will offer up to $200 for a college supplies grant to new domestic undergraduate students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should I contact with questions about student relief grants?

Students with questions about this process may contact Student Financial Support at financialaid@usu.edu or 435-797-0173.

Who is eligible to receive grants?

New incoming first-time undergraduate freshman and transfer students who are attending any of the campuses or centers in Utah. This includes students admitted for summer 2023 and fall 2023. Second bachelor's and international students are not eligible.

How are grants being disbursed?

The awards will be offered the last two weeks of April and must be accepted by May 3. Students receiving a grant will be notified through email.

Why didn’t I receive a grant?

Only new incoming first-time undergraduate freshman and transfer students are eligible to receive the grant. Continuing students are not eligible for this award.

Do I have to use this for specific expenses?

The college supplies grant can be used for any cost associated with attending Utah State University. The grant will be sent to you as a refund and directly deposited into your bank account. You can then use the funds to pay for any college expense you incur.

What is direct deposit?

Direct deposit allows money from your student financial account to be transferred or refunded directly into your personal checking or savings account. USU students with a U.S. checking or savings account are eligible to set up direct deposit. This is a free, secure, and convenient way to receive your funds without needing to visit a physical bank or taking any additional steps.

How do I set up direct deposit?

Visit usu.edu/financial-support/direct-deposit for step-by-step instructions to set up direct deposit. An instructional video is also available on the website.

What if I’m living at home?

The value of the grant will not be decreased if you are living at home. You can still use the grant to pay for any college expense.

What if I don’t have a financial hardship because of COVID-19?

To accept the grant, you will have to acknowledge you have had a financial hardship related to COVID-19. These hardships can include food, housing, transportation, employment, health care, etc. If you have experienced any financial hardship during the pandemic that is related to COVID-19, you are encouraged to accept the college supplies grant.

What if I don’t want this grant money?

If you choose not to accept the grant by the acceptance deadline, the grant will be cancelled. Once the grant is cancelled, it will no longer be available to you.

When will I get this money?

You must officially accept the grant by visiting usu.edu/accept. You must also set up direct deposit. After you accept the grant, you should see the direct deposit in your bank during the first week of May. It may take up to 7 business days for the funds to show in your bank account. If you select to have the grant applied to your balance due, the funds will show on your USU account by mid-June.

What if I don’t have a bank account to do direct deposit?

Direct deposit is required to receive the grant as a "refund." If you don’t have a bank account, you can use a parent/guardian account when setting up direct deposit. Additionally, you will be able to apply the grant toward your balance due if you choose. This option will be presented when you officially accept the award.

Does this impact my financial aid?

No. This award is a grant that will not affect your financial aid or any other scholarship opportunities offered by USU.

Is this taxable income?

No. This award is not taxable and will not be included on your 1098-T tax document.

Can this be deferred? What if I’m starting in a future semester?

Unfortunately, this grant cannot be deferred. The funds are provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). Due to federal timelines involved with the funding, the awards are not available for future semesters. All funds must be disbursed by the middle of May and are not available for future semesters.

For students who receive it and decide not to come to USU: How do I return this to USU now that I’m not attending?

If you receive the grant and do not attend USU, you will not be required to pay back the grant.

Where does this grant funding come from?

Three separate legislations have been passed to provide higher education emergency relief funds to Utah State University. These include the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress and signed into law in March 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), which was signed into law in December 2020, and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) that was signed into law in March 2021.

In March 2021, HEERF III was allocated $39.6 billion in funding. This funding is available to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.