CARES Act Emergency Student Grant
In June 2020, Columbia State began distributing approximately 90% of its CARES money ($1,478,343 to 3,736 eligible students) based on whether they were Pell Grant recipients or not, in the Spring 2020 term. Columbia State reserved 10% of the CARES funding to provide emergency financial grants for COVID-19-related expenses using CARES Act Emergency Student Grant to Title IV eligible students in need who meet all eligibility requirements outlined by the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE). The CARES Act emergency grant funds are for related expenses the student incurred as a result of COVID-19 greater than the amount previously received from Columbia State in June 2020. Students will receive assistance based upon eligibility guidelines established by federal policy and in conjunction with TBR guidance.
Funds must be used to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus, such as
- course materials
- technology
- food
- housing
- health care
- childcare
- or other cost of attendance related item
Requirements of eligibility for an emergency student grant include, but are not limited to:
- Be a Title IV aid eligible student: Title IV aid is Federal Student Financial Aid programs such as Pell Grant, Federal SEOG (supplemental education opportunity grant), or borrowed money such as the Student Federal Direct Loan. This includes meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines, not owing an overpayment of Title IV aid to the Department of Education, and having no federal student loans in default.
- Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program.
- Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen.
- Have a valid social security number.
If approved for funding, any emergency grant funds will be released to students by either refund check or direct deposit, depending on the method a student has set-up with the college.
To apply for an Emergency Student Grant, click on the link: CARES Act Emergency Student Act