Student Guidelines: GSU ARP Grants
Grambling State University students who need financial assistance for expenses incurred during COVID-19 response could be eligible for a student grant. Students who have incurred emergency expenses due to COVID-19 (for example, cost of attendance (COA) expenses like food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, childcare, and others) may qualify for a federal ARP Grant which will provide emergency relief funding.
Eligibility
Only students who meet pre-qualification to apply for ARP grant assistance will find the application in BannerWeb. Students who have financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic and are a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen are eligible to participate. This includes students who are enrolled exclusively in online programs or classes.
Process
Applications for ARP grants will be available starting October 10 at 12 am. Eligible students should sign-in to BannerWeb to complete an application by October 17. Awarding of funds is made on financial need. Financial need is measured by the student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC). Full-Time and Part-Time Undergraduates and Graduates with the lowest EFC will be eligible for the largest award. These availability-based funds will be disbursed as outlined in the schedule below. Students who do not meet the submission date will have their grant applications considered only if funding is available; students who apply before the deadline will receive funding first. Limited amount of funds is available.
Check your student email for results or requests for additional information after your application has been submitted. Awarded funds will be posted on the student’s account and disbursed in the form of a direct payment to the student either in direct deposit or mailed check. It is recommended that students submit a direct deposit authorization form to ensure funds will be readily accessible for needed expenses.
Tiered Schedule of ARP Funding
| Category | Expected Family Contribution (EFC) | Grant Award Tiers |
|---|---|---|
| Full or Part-Time Undergraduate or Graduate | $ 0 | $ 1,500 |
| Full or Part-Time Undergraduate or Graduate | $ 1 to $ 5,846 | $ 2,000 |
| Full or Part-Time Undergraduate or Graduate | $ 5,846 or higher | $ 1,000 |
| Full or Part-Time Undergraduate or Graduate | No EFC | $ 1,000 |
FAQs
What is the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, ARP?
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) is federal legislation signed by the President Biden on March 11, 2021. The ARP appropriated approximately $39.6 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and represents the third stream of funding appropriated for HEERF to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The purpose of ARP funds is similar to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act, HEERF I), the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA, HEERF II), and the ARP represents HEERF III. This new law provides financial support to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. One part of this federal program allocates money to Grambling State University and a portion of that allocation can be awarded directly to students who are experiencing financial expenses due to the coronavirus.
Who can apply for ARP Act funds?
Students who are U.S. citizens could be eligible to participate and
Students who are permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, DACA recipients, other DREAMer, and similar undocumented students and
International students and
Students who have emergency expenses due to COVID-19 and
Students who are undergraduate or graduate students and
Students who are currently enrolled in the Fall Semester at Grambling State University.
Please login to your student account to submit an application.
What does “eligible to participate” mean?
Eligible students must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen or Noncitizen
- Have emergency expenses due to COVID-19
- Enrolled or accepted for enrollment
- Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school
- Currently enrolled in the Fall Semester at Grambling State University
Can Undocumented Students and International Students Receive Funds Under the ARP?
Yes. Under the Department of Education’s new guidance, undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, and international students are eligible for the grants to students.
What kinds of expenses are allowable?
Funds can be used for emergency expenses related to COVID-19. Example expenses are food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare.
What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and where can I locate my amount?
In simple terms, this is a number that determines the amount that an individual’s family is expected to contribute towards his or her matriculation in an individual year. This is calculated by the household and income information that is reported on the FAFSA. This number can be found on a student’s Student Aid Report (SAR) on studentaid.gov.
How much can I apply for?
Students are eligible for a maximum base amount based on their student status tier. A limited amount of funds is available. We have a limited amount granted to us, and we appreciate students only asking for the amount needed so we can serve as many students as possible.
How do I apply?
- Login to your student account and complete the application/certification.
- Complete all required fields.
- Submit your application.
Does the money need to be repaid?
No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.
How will I receive my money?
The funds that are awarded will be posted on the student’s account and refunded in the form of a direct payment to the student. Ensure that Student Accounts has the most up-to-date direct deposit information prior to October 10, 2021. Meeting that date will ensure funds are readily accessible for needed expenses. If you are unable to accept funds via direct deposit, you will receive a check mailed to your permeant address as recorded in BannerWeb.
Would this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, this fund does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.
Can I apply for funding more than once?
No, students can apply only once. If funding is remaining after all applications have been received and reviewed, student notification for additional opportunities will be provided for future semesters.
What are the deadlines to apply?
Students must submit their ARP Grant Application for the Fall Semester no later than the close of business on October 17, 2021. Students who do not meet the submission date will have their grant applications considered only if funding is still available. To authorize direct deposit, see the instructions listed in the “Process” section above.
How will I receive my money?
The funds that are awarded will be posted on the student’s account and refunded in the form of a direct payment to the student. It is recommended that students submit a direct deposit authorization form to Student Accounts. This will set up direct deposit so that funds will be readily accessible for needed expenses. To authorize direct deposit, see the instructions listed in the “Process” section above. Students who do not setup direct deposit will receive checks mailed to their address on file. Funds will be direct deposited, or checks will be mailed by October 29, 2021.