New Round of Relief Grants Distributed to USU Students

Utah State University will begin disbursements of a new round of student relief grants on March 9, to continue to support students during the COVID-19 pandemic.

USU has received an additional $8.7 million in funds to distribute to eligible students who demonstrate exceptional need. University officials estimate that nearly 10,000 students will receive grants. Students who think they may qualify should check their inboxes for an email from USU’s financial aid office.

“USU students have shown enormous resilience this last year,” said USU Vice President for Student Affairs James Morales. “We know many have faced new and unforeseen financial challenges. Federal funds and funds provided through charitable donations are essential in supporting students in need and ensuring they stay on track to graduate.”

In January 2021, the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) was allocated funding through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), which was signed into law in December 2020. This funding—more than $21 billion—is available to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the pandemic.

While previous grants funded by the CARES Act were not available to students taking classes fully online, HEERF II relief grants can go to both online and on-campus students. And students who receive grants now have the option to have funds applied directly to any outstanding USU balance, such as tuition or housing costs.

Grant amounts range from $400 to $700 based on enrollment levels and financial need. To identify students who have exceptional need, as required by HEERF II, the university is using FAFSA data to calculate a student’s “unmet need.” Students must complete the 2020-21 FAFSA to be considered.

Students who did not receive a relief grant can still apply for assistance. While the federal government has specified that undocumented or international students are not eligible for HEERF II funds, the university provides a separate grant application for these students.

USU disbursed $7,540,170 in federal CARES funding to 10,977 students as of Dec. 31, 2020, along with nearly $318,000 in emergency hardship grants to 645 students during spring, summer and fall 2020 semesters.

For more information on USU’s student relief grants, visit usu.edu/covid-19/cares.