American Rescue Plan Student Emergency Aid Funding
American Rescue Plan Student Emergency Aid Funding FAQs
What COVID-19 relief funding has the university received in 2021 to assist students?
USF has received $52 million in emergency student funding from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) of 2021.
How and when will the ARP funding be distributed to USF students?
The funds will be distributed in the form of emergency financial aid grants to students. The funds will be provided directly to the student as a cash grant unless the student provides written authorization allowing the funds to be deposited to their university account.
USF’s Office of Financial Aid began the grant distribution process on Monday, September 13, 2021, and will continue through fall of 2021. Awards may be extended to students enrolled in spring 2022 if remaining funds are available.
What can a ARP grant be used for?
Grants up to $2,000 will be initially awarded and can be used for emergency expenses for any component of a student’s cost of attendance that arise due to COVID-19 and provided directly to the student. Students can opt in to have their award applied to their university account or used to replace loan debt.
Who is eligible to receive ARP grants?
Priority will be given to currently enrolled undergraduate students who are degree seeking and enrolled at least half-time. Students who have not had their full cost of attendance met will be awarded based on their “exceptional financial need”. This is determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Starting in November 2021, international, DACA and undocumented students can apply via the AwardSpring scholarship application. Graduate students will be considered after the undergraduate priority group has had an opportunity for funding support.
How can a student apply for an emergency financial aid grant?
US citizens and permanent residents need to have a 2021-22 FAFSA on file. Starting in November 2021, international, DACA and undocumented students can apply via the AwardSpring scholarship application. USF will contact eligible students via their USF email address. Students will need to certify that they have emergency costs due to the pandemic before an award will be made.
If a student is not eligible for an ARP grant, are there other financial resources available?
Students should visit https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid/ to explore the types of aid available, including scholarships, grants, loans and work study. Contact information for the Financial Aid Office on each campus can also be found there.
If a student is not offered a ARP grant yet believes they are eligible, who can they contact?
Students should contact the Office of Financial Aid. This webpage offers contact information for each campus: https://www.usf.edu/financial-aid/questions/.