CARES Act Student Emergency Aid Funding

Student Report

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting
Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students -
University of South Florida

The University of South Florida (USF) acknowledges it signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020, and gives the assurance that USF will use 50% of the funds received under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

  1. The total amount of funds USF received on April 24, 2020, from the U.S. Department of Education for distribution to students is $17,419,874.

  2. Amounts distributed:
    • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of May 21, 2020, is $6,559,505.
    • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of July 7, 2020, is $10,722,160.
    • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of August 18, 2020, is $11,477,097.
    • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of September 30, 2020, is $13,876,985.
    • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of December 31, 2020, is $14,573,264
    • The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of March 31, 2021, is $17,419,874.

  3. The estimated total number of students at USF eligible to participate in programs under section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under section 18004(a)(1) of the Cares Act is 37,900.

  4. The total number of students who received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act was 7,603 for spring 2020, 4,672 for summer 2020, 4,585 for fall 2020, and 4,077 for spring 2021.

  5. The methods used to determine which and how much students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants are as follows –

    • A currently enrolled degree seeking undergraduate or graduate student enrolled half time in spring 2020, excluding those enrolled in fully on-line programs.

    • Eligible for funding under a Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 with a valid Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file.

    • Students (excluding the USF Health students who were selected by the USF Health Financial Aid Office) who filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have at least $1,000 in unmet need received an automatic $1,000 award for spring 2020. Those students enrolled half time in summer 2020 were also considered for an award up to $1,000 for that semester if enrolled half time. Depending on fund availability, like awards may also be made for fall 2020 and spring 2021.

    • Degree seeking students, including those who received an automatic award, can request funds via an application process, which opened August 24, 2020. The maximum approved for the spring semester was $1,000. Students approved in spring who were enrolled half time in summer 2020 were also considered for an award up to $1,000 for that semester if they had need and were approved for a recurring expense. Depending on fund availability, like awards may also be made for fall 2020 and spring 2021.

The instructions, directions, or guidance provided by USF to all eligible students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants were sent via University email and published on the University website.