Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act - CRRSAA (HEERF II)
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA ) established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II) and was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 27, 2020. One section of the CRRSAA established the HEERF II which allocates funding to institutions to provide emergency grants for students with exceptional need.
As a result of this legislation, ArtCenter has been allocated $2,384,976 for institutional support and $1,084,116 to be distributed as Emergency Financial Aid Grants to eligible students.
ArtCenter College of Design has awarded the full $1,084,116 to support student grants as of February 24, 2022. This funding was made available by the U.S. Department of Education, and designed to prioritize assistance to students with the greatest demonstrated financial need.
Student Grants Awarded
In the Spring 2021 term, 702 grants were awarded a total of $1,061,400 as of April 19, 2021. Grants were applied to the ArtCenter student account upon request using the student eligibility criteria listed below. Students who did not select a disbursement method by the deadline of April 16, 2021, had or will have the grant amount disbursed directly to them through the Accounting Office.
An additional $10,502 was awarded to 5 students through the appeal process as of September 17, 2021. The remaining $12,214 was combined with the HEERF III funding using the ARP Grant eligibility criteria and awarded to 9 students as of February 24, 2022.
Student Eligibility
In the Spring 2021 term, 707 potentially eligible students have been identified by the Financial Aid Office and notified by email. In order to qualify for a HEERF II Grant, students must meet all existing Title IV eligibility requirements, which includes completion of a valid 2020-21 FAFSA. Students within the eligible EFC range are automatically selected based on the following criteria:
- be Title IV Eligible
- be enrolled at least half time in the Spring 2021 term
- be a U.S. Citizen
- Have a FAFSA EFC range from 0–20,000
Eligibility requirements are consistent with guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, which the College is required by law to follow in allocating this federal funding.
International and undocumented students are not eligible for these grants.
Do I need to apply?
Eligible students do not need to apply. Potentially eligible students have been identified by the Financial Aid Office and notified by email.
How much will eligible students receive?
Once eligibility has been confirmed, grants range from $800-$1,800 based on the EFC range of 0–20,000.
FAFSA EFC Eligibility Range and Grant Amount
EFC
Amount
0
1,800
1-5,576
1,500
5,577-10,000
1,000
10,001-20,000
800
How will funds be disbursed?
Grants may be applied to your ArtCenter student account upon request, or you may request a direct disbursement. Students will be contacted and must reply by April 16, 2021, in order to have the amount applied to their ArtCenter student account. Students who do not reply by this date will receive a direct payment through the Accounting Office once eligibility has been confirmed.
Specific details about the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund can be found on the U.S. Department of Education website.