Types of Aid

Overview Loans COVID Relief Funds Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) External Financial Aid Websites

COVID Relief Funds

In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic, Congress and the Department of Education have appropriated funding to ensure continuing learning for students. COVID-19 relief funds can be used toward the cost of attendance, food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, child care or similar expenses directly associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 relief funds do not affect financial aid eligibility. To qualify, you must be enrolled.

For more information about each COVID-19 relief package, select your option below. Relief funds for the academic years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 are exhausted.

Choosing a section will toggle the viewable faq questions

COVID Relief (2019-2020): CARES Act

CARES Act

2019-2020

All CARES Act funds have been distributed to students. Funds are no longer avaialble.

Summary

SIUE has received funds through the federal CARES Act to support students who have experienced unexpected educational expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
Students must be Title IV eligible to receive CARES Act funds.
More information about how to submit a CARES Act grant request has been sent to eligible students via SIUE e-mail. CHECK ALL MAILBOXES INCLUDING CLUTTER.
Students who are not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid may seek funding for grants from the SIUE Student Emergency Assistance Fund through the SIUE Foundation.
Grants are for spring 2020 enrolled students, and requests will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

COVID-19 Related Expenses

Food
Housing
Course materials
Technology
Healthcare
Childcare
Transportation

Eligibility

Who is eligible for CARES Act funds?

Eligible students must:

Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
Be enrolled for Spring 2020 as a degree-seeking student in at least one hour of on-campus/in-person coursework. Students enrolled in a fully online program prior to March 13, 2020 are not eligible.
A student must be considered Title IV eligible via Section 484 of the HEA:
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a degree or certificate program.
- Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school.
- Be making satisfactory academic progress.
- Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans.
- Not be in default on a Title IV loan.
- File "as part of the original financial aid application process" a certification that includes
  - A statement of educational purpose.
  - Student's SSN.
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen.
- Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to charges.
- Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits.
- Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently.
- Have Selective Service registration verified.
- Have Social Security Number verified.
- Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.

Who is not eligible for CARES Act funds?

Students who are already participating in fully online programs
Students who aren’t eligible for Title IV federal financial aid, such as international students or DACA students
Students who completed all courses or withdrew from all courses prior to March 1, 2020

Awarding Criteria

Grants will be available to eligible undergraduate/graduate/professional degree-seeking students who were enrolled in spring 2020 semester as follows as determined by the FAFSA:

Students with an EFC of 0-5576 may request up to $2,000
Students with an EFC of 5577-14000 may request up to $1000
Students with an EFC of over 14000 may request up to $750
Students who have not filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA, but can self-certify that they are Title IV eligible may request up to $500

Amounts were increased in early August. Eligible students were sent an email for increased funds. However, these funds have all been spent.

Refunding Process

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your funds via the Bursar's refund process. If you have direct deposit, your funds will be deposited to whatever account you have designated. If you do not have direct deposit, the funds will be distributed via paper check to your permament address. This process should take approximately one to two weeks. Funds will be given directly to students and will not apply to any balances with SIUE.

Questions?

If you have questions concerning CARES Act grants or eligibility, please email finaid@siue.edu

Federal CARES Act Grant Reporting Information & Disclosure

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement to receive funds under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act with the Department of Education. The University therefore agrees to use these funds to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.

Total amount of CARES Act (HEERF Student Portion): $4,839,197

Total amount that has been distributed to students: $4,839,197 (10/30/2020)

Estimated total number of CARES Act eligible students: 9,938
Total number of students who have received a CARES Act grant: 5,007

A committee of University leadership determined how awards were to be distrbuted per federal guidelines. Eligible students were sent email communication with application. Application includes questions concerning their COVID-19 related expenses and the amount of their related expenses (up to their maximum award).
PDF of Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting under CARES Act

COVID Relief (2020-2021): HEERF2 / CRRSAA Funds

HEERF2 / CRRSAA Funds

2020-2021

All CRRSAA/HEERF 2 (Covid-Relief) funds have been distributed to students. Funds are no longer available.

Summary

SIUE has received funds through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) to support students who have experienced unexpected educational expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preferential treatment and awards are given to Pell eligible undergraduate students (EFC less than or equal to 5711).
More information about how to submit a HEERF 2 grant application has been sent to eligible students via SIUE e-mail. CHECK ALL MAILBOXES INCLUDING CLUTTER.
Students who are not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid may seek funding for grants from the SIUE Student Emergency Assistance Fund through the SIUE Foundation.
Grants are for spring 2021 enrolled students, and requests will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

COVID-19 Related Expenses

Food
Housing
Course materials
Technology
Healthcare
Childcare
Transportation

Eligibility

Who is eligible for HEERF 2 funds?

Eligible students must:

Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
Be enrolled for Spring 2021 as a degree-seeking student in at least one hour of coursework.
Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen.

Who is not eligible for HEERF 2 funds?

Students who are already participating in fully online programs
Students who are not U.S. citizens, are not permanent residents of other eligible non citizens (such as international students or DACA students.)
Students who completed all courses or withdrew from all courses prior to January 29, 2021.

Awarding Criteria

Grants will be available to eligible undergraduate/graduate/professional degree-seeking students who were enrolled in spring 2021 semester as follows as determined by the FAFSA and degree level:

Tier 1:

Pell Eligible Undergraduates:
- EFC less than or equal to 5711
- Automatic awards of $1200.
- Student has option to "opt in" to allowing funds to pay towards SIUE balance with Bursar.
  - Opt in functionality was made available via application emailed to students.
  - If a Tier 1 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

Tier 2:

Non-Pell Eligible Undergraduates, Graduate, and Professional Students:
- EFC more than 5711
- Graduate and Professional students considered in this category.
- Students are emailed an application identifying eligibility. Students must complete the application and submit for review.
  - Application reviews option to "opt in" to allow funds to pay towards their SIUE balance.
  - Awards are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Not all students who complete an application will receive funds.
  - Awards of $1200.

Refunding Process

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your funds via the Bursar's refund process.

If you "opted in" to having your funds apply to your SIUE balance first, the funds will pay to your balance with the SIUE Bursar. If there is remaining funds after the SIUE balance is paid, the funds will be refunded to you.
If you "opted out" (or are Tier 1 and did not complete the application), the funds will be automatically refunded to you via the Bursar's refund process.

If you have direct deposit, your funds will be deposited to whatever account you have designated. If you do not have direct deposit, the funds will be distributed via paper check to your permanent address. This process should take approximately one to two weeks.

Questions?

If you have questions concerning HEERF 2 grants or eligibility, please email finaid@siue.edu

Federal CRRSSA/HEERF 2 Act Grant Reporting Information & Disclosure

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement to receive funds and assures that the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Total amount of of funds that SIUE has received from the Department under the CRRSAA and ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs (HEERF Student Portion): $4,839,197

Total amount that has been distributed to students: $4,839,197

Estimated total number of CARES Act eligible students: 11,573
Total number of students who have received a CRRSAA/ARP grant: 4033

A committee of leadership determined how awards were to be distributed per federal guidelines. As requested, students with Pell-eligible EFCs were given priority. All eligible students were sent email communication with application. Application for Pell-eligible EFC students included an opt-in question pertaining to administering funds to a university balance. All other eligible students were emailed an application that included questions concerning their COVID-19 related expenses, and an opt-in question pertaining to administering funds to a university balance. (A completed application was only required for non-Pell eligible students.)
The above webpage provides necessary information for students on the CRRSAA/ARP (HEERF 2) grant awards.
PDF of Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting (Q2)

HEERF3 / ARP Funds

2020-2021 / 2021-2022

Summary

SIUE has received funds through the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) to support students who have experienced unexpected educational expenses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Preferential treatment and awards are given to Pell eligible undergraduate students (EFC less than or equal to 5711 for Summer 2021 and 5846 for Fall 2021). Students who did not file a FAFSA or are not eligible to file a FAFSA are considered eligible for these funds at the Tier 2 level. Students who filed a RISE Act Application/Alternative Application for Illinois are considered based on that EFC.
More information about how to submit a HEERF 3 grant application has been sent to eligible students via SIUE e-mail. CHECK ALL MAILBOXES INCLUDING CLUTTER.
Grants are for Summer 2021 and Fall 2021 enrolled students, and requests will be accepted until funds are exhausted.

COVID-19 Related Expenses

Food
Housing
Course materials
Technology
Healthcare
Childcare
Transportation

Eligibility

Summer 2021

Who is eligible for HEERF 3 funds?

Eligible students must:

Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
Be enrolled for Summer 2021 in at least one hour of coursework.

Awarding Criteria

Grants will be available to eligible undergraduate/graduate/professional degree-seeking students who were enrolled in summer 2021 semester as follows as determined by the FAFSA:

Tier 1:

Pell Eligible EFC Undergraduate students:
- EFC less than or equal to 5711
- Undergraduate students (Undocumented students who complete the RISE Act Application/Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid's eligibility is based on that EFC.)
- Automatic awards of $750.
- Student has option to "opt in" to allowing funds to pay towards SIUE balance with Bursar.
  - Opt in functionality was made available via application emailed to students.
  - If a Tier 1 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

Tier 2:

Non-Pell Eligible EFC funds:
- EFC more than 5711 or students with no FAFSA
- Includes graduate, professional, international, and some undocumented students.
- Automatic awards of $500.
- Student has option to "opt in" to allowing funds to pay towards SIUE balance with Bursar.
  - Opt in functionality was made available via application emailed to students.
  - If a Tier 2 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

There is an option on the application to decline HEERF III Funds entirely. This decision is not reversible.

Fall 2021

Who is eligible for HEERF 3 funds?

Eligible students must:

Incurred expenses as a result of COVID-19
Be enrolled for Fall 2021 in at least one hour of coursework.

Awarding Criteria

Grants will be available to eligible undergraduate/graduate/professional degree-seeking students who were enrolled in Fall 2021 semester as follows as determined by the FAFSA:

Tier 1:

Pell Eligible EFC Undergraduate students:
- EFC less than or equal to 5846
- Undergraduate students (Undocumented students who complete the RISE Act Application/Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid's eligibility is based on that EFC.)
- Automatic awards of $1,000.
- Student has option to "opt in" to allowing funds to pay towards SIUE balance with Bursar.
  - Opt in functionality was made available via application emailed to students.
  - If a Tier 1 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

Tier 2:

Non-Pell Eligible EFC funds:
- EFC more than 5846 or students with no FAFSA
- Includes graduate, professional, international, and some undocumented students.
- Automatic awards of $725.
- Student has option to "opt in" to allowing funds to pay towards SIUE balance with Bursar.
  - Opt in functionality was made available via application emailed to students.
  - If a Tier 2 student does not complete the application, funds will be automatically refunded to student.

There is an option on the application to decline HEERF III Funds entirely. This decision is not reversible.

Refunding Process

Once your application has been processed, you will receive your funds via the Bursar's refund process.

If you "opted in" to having your funds apply to your SIUE balance first, the funds will pay to your balance with the SIUE Bursar. If there is remaining funds after the SIUE balance is paid, the funds will be refunded to you.
If you "opted out" (or did not complete the application), the funds will be automatically refunded to you via the Bursar's refund process.

Questions?

If you have questions concerning HEERF 3 grants or eligibility, please email finaid@siue.edu

Federal ARP/HEERF 3 Act Grant Reporting Information & Disclosure

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement to receive funds and assures that the applicable amount of funds designated under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

Total amount of of funds that SIUE has received from the Department under the ARP (a)(1) and (a)(4) programs (HEERF Student Portion): $13,683,174

Total amount that has been distributed to students: $13,504,525

Estimated total number of ARP eligible students:
- Summer 2021 - 5,894
- Fall 2021 - 12,904
Total number of students who have received a ARP grant:
- Summer 2021 - 5,894
- Fall 2021 - 12,904

A committee of leadership determined how awards were to be distributed per federal guidelines. As requested, students with Pell-eligible EFCs were given priority. All eligible students were sent email communication with application. Application for all students included an opt-in question pertaining to administering funds to a university balance. Acceptance of the funds identified that the student had COVID related expenses via email (option to decline funds available in application.)
The above webpage provides necessary information for students on the ARP (HEERF 3) grant awards.
PDF of Quarterly Budget and Expenditure Reporting (Information includes Q1 of FY2022. No student share funds were spent during Q1 of FY2022. (4/7/2022))