Note: The following information is retained for recording purposes. The HEERF III application period ended on Sept. 17, 2021.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) was authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, and signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Webster University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on May 20, 2021. The University intended to use no less than the $5,285,852 received under Section 2003 of the ARP to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Eligible Webster University students experiencing a short-term financial need caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) are now able to log into their Connections Account and complete an application for consideration of an emergency student grant from the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief III Fund. These emergency funds can pay for expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare. Applications for these funds must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CST, Friday, Sept. 17, 2021.
Related News Article:
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Additional information on the ARP Act
- Webster University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on May 20, 2021. The University intended to use no less than the $5,285,852 received under Section 2003 of the ARP to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The University received $5,285,852 on May 20, 2021, from the Department pursuant to filing the annual report required for HEERF III.
- The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 2003(a)(1) of the ARP as of September 30, 2021, was $0. Applications were still under review by the University.
- About 14,436 students were eligible to receive funds under Section 2003(a)(1) pursuant to the University’s Supplemental Grant Funds for Students under ARP Act/HEERF III.
- As of September 30, 2021, no students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 2003(a)(1) of the ARP. Applications were still under review by the University.
- The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students must apply via an application found through the student portal ("Connections") and eligible students are awarded based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on their 2021-2022 FAFSA.
- Guidance provided to students concerning HEERF emergency grants was posted online.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Additional information on the ARP Act
- Webster University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on May 20, 2021. The University intended to use no less than the $5,285,852 received under Section 2003 of the ARP to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The University received $5,285,852 on May 20, 2021, from the Department pursuant to filing the annual report required for HEERF III.
- The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 2003(a)(1) of the ARP as of December 31, 2021, was $4,477,019.94.
- About 14,436 students were eligible to receive funds under Section 2003(a)(1) pursuant to the University’s Supplemental Grant Funds for Students under ARP Act/HEERF III.
- As of December 31, 2021, 2,288 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 2003(a)(1) of the ARP.
- The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students must apply via an application found through the student portal ("Connections") and eligible students are awarded based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on their 2021-2022 FAFSA.
- Guidance provided to students concerning HEERF emergency grants was posted online.
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.
Additional information on the ARP Act
- Webster University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on May 20, 2021. The University intended to use no less than the $5,285,852 received under Section 2003 of the ARP to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The University received $5,285,852 on May 20, 2021, from the Department pursuant to filing the annual report required for HEERF III.
- The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 2003(a)(1) of the ARP as of March 31, 2022, was $5,285,852.
- About 14,436 students were eligible to receive funds under Section 2003(a)(1) pursuant to the University’s Supplemental Grant Funds for Students under ARP Act/HEERF III.
- As of March 31, 2022, 2,288 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 2003(a)(1) of the ARP.
- The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students must apply via an application found through the student portal ("Connections"). Student eligibility was informed, in part, by those who had submitted a 2021-2022 FAFSA (for international students, FAFSA guidance did not apply).
- Guidance provided to students concerning HEERF emergency grants was posted online.
Note: The following information is retained for recording purposes. The HEERF II application period ended on April 15, 2021.
The federal government in early 2021 enacted the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), which authorized the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II). HEERF II provides money that colleges and universities can distribute as emergency grants to students for specific expenses that are a direct result of the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Webster University was awarded $5.9 million in relief assistance under the HEERF II, of which $1,758,529 is required to be disbursed to eligible Webster University students, ensuring learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic for those eligible students.
Webster University degree-seeking students who are currently enrolled in Spring 2021 are eligible to apply. Students must have previously filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with Webster University’s Office of Financial Aid by March 1, 2021. Students should log into Connections (requires login) to see more information and to access the application. Note: The original HEERF II application deadline of March 31 was extended to April 15, 2021.
Related News Article:
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSAA) authorized the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) on Dec. 27, 2020.
Webster University received an award letter notifying them of funds available through the CRRSAA on January 17, 2021.
The University intends to use no less than the $1,758,529 received under Section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The University received $1,758,529 on February 2, 2021, from the Department pursuant to filing the annual report required for HEERF.
The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA as of March 31, 2021, is $752,500.
3,852 students enrolled in the 2020-2021 Spring semester filed a FAFSA and were 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 to students under 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA.
As of March 31, 2021, 982 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA.
The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students must apply via an application found through the student portal ("Connections") and eligible students are awarded based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on their 2020-2021 FAFSA.
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSAA) authorized the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) on Dec. 27, 2020.
Webster University received an award letter notifying them of funds available through the CRRSAA on January 17, 2021.
The University intended to use no less than the $1,758,529 received under Section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The University received $1,758,529 on February 2, 2021, from the Department pursuant to filing the annual report required for HEERF.
The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA as of April 30, 2021, was $1,758,529.
3,852 students enrolled in the 2020-2021 Spring semester filed a FAFSA and were 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 to students under 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA.
As of April 30, 2021, 1,888 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 314(c)(3) of the CRRSAA.
The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students must apply via an application found through the student portal ("Connections") and eligible students are awarded based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on their 2020-2021 FAFSA.
The Federal CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), passed into law in March 2020, provided funds to colleges and universities to distribute for emergency student grants due to the pandemic. Webster University provided an application process for eligible students to receive assistance through a one-time emergency grant in 2020.
Related News Articles:
- COVID-19 Task Force message on CARES Act funding, April 22, 2020
- CARES Act Relief Fund Application for Eligible Webster Students, May 01, 2020
Updated May 20, 2020: Below is the information shared with Webster students about the opportunity to apply for CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants. The application window for these grants through Webster closed on May 15, 2020, and on-going distribution of funds began the week of May 18. The information below is retained for informational purposes.
If you are a Webster University student experiencing a short-term financial need due to the disruption of campus operations caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), please fill out the application for consideration of a one-time emergency student grant from the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. These emergency funds can pay for expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and childcare.
The recently enacted federal CARES Act provided money to colleges and universities to distribute for emergency student grants. The purpose of the money is to provide financial assistance to students for specific expenses that are a direct result of the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. This funding is separate from additional financial aid you may receive from Webster University.
The following is a list of expenses that can be considered for grant assistance if they were "related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus."
- Food
- Housing
- Course materials
- Technology (such as having to buy a computer when courses were moved online)
- Health care
- Child care
Awarded undergraduate students will receive $1,000 and awarded graduate students will receive $500. In the spirit of serving as many of Webster University's most in need students, and because CARES Act funding is limited, we appreciate students applying for a grant only if it is truly needed.
Students who meet all criteria below are eligible to apply:
- Working towards a degree or certificate at Webster.
- Enrolled in Spring 2020 in at least one on-ground/in-person course, even if that course moved to an online format due to the pandemic.
- Have a valid 2019-2020 FAFSA on file with Webster University's Office of Financial Aid.
Students must also attest that they have experienced any of the aforementioned disruptions.
Per the U.S. Department of Education, international students and students enrolled exclusively in online courses are not eligible to receive CARES Act funding.
Students who are ineligible, or apply but do not receive a CARES Act grant, but still have financial need, should visit webster.edu/financialaid and follow the instructions for "How to Apply for Financial Aid" for the 2020-2021 academic year.[NOTE: The fund application window has closed. This information is retained here for archiving and reporting purposes.]
To apply, log in to your Connections account and complete the Webster University CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Application. If you have difficulty logging in, please contact the IT Service Desk at support@webster.edu.
However, before doing so, please review the eligibility requirements, as not all students are eligible to receive funding.
Applications must be submitted by 11:45 p.m. CDT on Friday, May 15, 2020.
Q: How do I know if I am eligible to apply?
A: Students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply: (1) working
towards a degree or certificate at Webster; (2) enrolled in Spring 2020 in at least
one on-ground/in-person course, even if that course moved to an online format due
to the pandemic; (3) have a valid 2019-2020 FAFSA on file with Webster University's
Office of Financial Aid.
Q: What is my deadline to apply?
A: Applications must be submitted by 11:45PM CDT on Friday, May 15, 2020.
Q: Will everyone who applies for a CARES Act grant receive one?
A: No, based on the limited funding we received from the U.S. Department of Education,
it will be distributed to students with the most demonstrated need.
Q: Do I need to repay this grant?
A: No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid. This fund does
not impact nor replace any financial aid you may currently receive, and it is a one-time
grant.
Q: How many times can I apply?
A: Once.
Q: How much will I receive?
A: Awarded undergraduate students will receive a one-time grant of $1,300. Awarded
graduate students will receive a one-time grant of $800. Note: These figures were updated based on available funds, as the original announcement
stated $1,000 for undergraduates and $500 for graduate students.
Q: When will I know if I will receive a grant?
A: Our goal is to award emergency grants by the end of May 2020, and you will receive
a notification to your webster.edu email address by then.
Q: How will I receive the grant money?
A: Emergency grants will be processed based on your existing Bank Mobile refund selection.
Funds will be directly deposited into bank accounts for students who are enrolled
in the direct deposit option. To speed up your payment, we strongly encourage you
to select a refund option if you have not done so already at https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/.
Q: What if I currently owe tuition or other expenses to Webster?
A: The full amount of the emergency grants will be given directly to students and
will not pay outstanding balances owed to Webster. Any outstanding balance owed to
Webster remains the responsibility of the student.
Q: If I receive a grant from the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund,
is it taxable?
A: No. Emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act are qualified disaster relief
payments per the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and will not be taxable.
Q: What if I am ineligible, or apply but do not receive a CARES Act grant, but still
have financial need?
A: Students who are ineligible, or apply but do not receive a CARES Act grant, but
still have financial need, should visit webster.edu/financialaid and follow the instructions on "How to Apply for Financial Aid" for the 2020-2021
academic year.
Q: Who can I contact if I have other questions about the CARES Act Higher Education
Emergency Relief Fund?
A: Students can submit questions to covid19@webster.edu. A Webster University staff member will respond as soon as possible.
CARES Act '30-Day Fund Report' — May 20, 2020
Each institution applying for HEERF funds was directed to comply with Section 18004(e) of the CARES Act and submit an initial report (the “30-day Fund Report”) to the Secretary thirty (30) days from the date of the institution’s Certification and Agreement to the Department. The '30-Day Fund Report' information that was posted on May 20, 2020, follows:
Webster University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on April 9, 2020. The University intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
The University received $1,758,529 on April 21, 2020, from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of May 20, 2020, is $928,000.
4,548 students enrolled in the 2019-202020 Spring semester filed a FAFSA and were 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 to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
As of May 20, 2020, 1,266 students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants. Students must apply via an application found through the student portal ("Connections") and eligible students are awarded based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on their 2019-202020 FAFSA.
| Applied | Awarded | Grants | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 1,181 | 590 | $590,000 |
| Graduate | 1,583 | 676 | $338,000 |
| Total | 2,764 | 1,266 | $928,000 |
- Webster University signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement on April 9, 2020. The University intends to use no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- The University received $1,758,529 on April 21, 2020, from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement [for] Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.
- The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of July 2, 2020, is $1,758,529.
- 4,548 students enrolled in the 2019-202020 Spring semester filed a FAFSA and were 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 to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- 1,658 students received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant to students under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act.
- The University made every effort to contact all students regarding available funding and added a website devoted to the Emergency Financial Aid Grants at https://www.legacy.webster.edu/covid19/cares-act.html. Students applied via an application found through the student portal and eligible students are awarded based on their Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated on their 2019-202020 FAFSA.
- Based on the number of applicants and eligible students, awardees received $1,300 per undergraduate student and $800 per graduate student.
Final Distribution
| Awarded | Grants | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 869 | $1,129,700 |
| Graduate | 789 | $631,000 |
| Total | 1,658 | $1,760,900* |
*1,871 in grants from institutional portion of CARES HEERF
The University was eligible to use up to 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act for Institutional Purposes.
The University received $1,758,529 on May 5, 2020, from the Department pursuant to the institution’s Certification and Agreement for the Institutional Portion.
The total amount used by the University for Institutional Purposes under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of September 30, 2020, is $1,758,529.
The University’s final report is the Sept. 30, 2020 quarterly report (PDF).