CARES Act emergency grants for students

Federal CARES Act emergency grants cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Students must have met minimum Department of Education criteria to be eligible to receive CARES Act emergency grants.

Federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides grant assistance to the university and direct aid to students. App State’s allocation is $15,927,932.  Of that amount, 50%, or $7,963,966, is being provided directly to students in the form of Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) grants.

The legislation specifies HEERF grant allocations must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. Qualifying expenses include a student’s cost of attendance, such as:

• Food
• Housing
• Course materials
• Technology
• Relocation expenses
• Health care
• Child care
• Transportation

These funds must be paid directly to students by the university and cannot be used to refund the cost of reimbursements already paid to students by the university. HEERF grant allocations will vary based on students’ individual situations, but our distribution plan is designed to help the most students with the greatest financial need.

Am I eligible?

Students must have met the following minimum Department of Education criteria to be eligible for a CARES Emergency Grant:

1. If you are enrolled as a degree-seeking, main campus (not online) student.
2. Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. Read about these requirements here.
3. Meet federal financial aid eligibility requirements.

Can I apply?

The first round of federal funding has been allocated, but additional federal funding is expected. App State will notify eligible students about when and how to apply. If you are facing financial hardship, please contact the Case Management Team in the Office of the Dean of Students to see what other resources are available.

What is the status of my application?

All communication regarding the status of a student’s request will be provided via email. If you have questions, you may also contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@appstate.edu or 828-262-8284.

Is CARES funding part of my financial aid package?

No. This is not Financial Aid and will not count toward or be included in any financial aid package or college loans you receive.

Do I need to pay CARES funds back?

No. This is an emergency relief grant from the US Department of Education to help enrolled students cover expenses they experienced due to the campus disruption caused by COVID-19.

For questions:

General questions:
enrollment-mgmt@appstate.edu
828-262-7244

Questions about eligibility:
Office of Student Financial Aid
financialaid@appstate.edu
828-262-2190

Questions about disbursements and student accounts:
Student Accounts
studentaccounts@appstate.edu
828-262-2113

Questions about available aid and emergency assistance:
Office of the Dean of Students
dos@appstate.edu
828-262-8284