2.What Government Grants Are Available?
Most of the same government grants are still available. These include the Pell Grant and many of the others.
However, there is a new one that was created because of the pandemic. Called the CARES Act, it is designed to help people negatively impacted by COVID. It’s a little confusing to understand at first because this economic aid was sent directly to those affected.
However, over $2 trillion was allotted for the United States. Roughly $14 billion of that money was provided to postsecondary education needs. It’s called HEERF (Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund).
Eligible institutions had to apply for the programs available if they qualified. Recently, the application period was extended. The HEERF programs include:
- Student Aid
- Institutional Aid
- MSIs
- HBCUs
- SIP
- FIPSE Formula
As a student, you don’t have to know which program you require. Though this money isn’t Title IV aid, you must qualify to receive it to be eligible for the emergency grant.
Remember, this money is not based on your financial need during the crisis. Instead, it’s designed to help with expenses you now face because of campus closings and other issues. Also, your institution has to pay you directly from the funding. This money cannot go to any outstanding charges from the institution.
While the government is doing its best to help, colleges are also stepping in and filling the gap. Many of its students don’t qualify for federal relief because they are noncitizens. Some colleges are creating new education grants, and anyone can apply. These can help you cover expenses for the year.
You don’t have to be enrolled already to qualify, though many of the grants have been exhausted already.
