CARES Act Fund FAQs
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was passed by Congress to help provide financial relief from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Part of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to distribute funds to institutions of higher education nationwide. Half of the funds these institutions receive must be given directly to their students to assist students with unanticipated expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was passed by Congress to help provide financial relief from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Part of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund to distribute funds to institutions of higher education nationwide. Half of the funds these institutions receive must be given directly to their students to assist students with unanticipated expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Saint Mary’s College has received $1,262,868 under this program to be disbursed directly to our students. Saint Mary’s College has established the CARES Act Grant and has disbursed the funds to students who meet eligibility requirements as set forth by the Department of Education.
These funds can assist with unforeseen expenses for a student’s cost of attendance (e.g., food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare, child care, and transportation) due to COVID-19 disruptions.
Under the U.S. Department of Education rules, qualifying students are those who are eligible for federal financial aid. Students who have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) have demonstrated this eligibility. Eligible students also must have been enrolled in a degree program at SMC on March 13, 2020 to qualify for the CARES Act Grant.
Under the U.S. Department of Education’s rules, students who are not eligible to receive federal financial aid, such as international students and students enrolled in the DACA program, are unable to receive these funds.
Yes. Saint Mary’s undergraduate and graduate students who were enrolled in a degree program at SMC on March 13, 2020 who are experiencing immediate financial need as a result of recent COVID-19 events can submit a request for assistance via the President's Emergency Fund Application. Students may also contact the Office of Financial Aid and submit an Appeal to be considered for additional financial aid if they are experiencing special circumstances that affect their ability to pay college costs
Applications are available via the SMC Website at President's Emergency Fund Application. We have been reviewing applications to the President’s Emergency Fund on a regular basis since March and will continue until all funds are distributed.
There is no deadline by which you must apply; however, you must have filed a FAFSA prior to May 11, 2020 to be eligible. Please note, however, that these funds are limited and will be disbursed on a rolling basis, so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Eligible students have already received a CARES Act Grant based on their need, as documented on the FAFSA. Additional funds will be disbursed based on individual applications. Please be aware that these funds are limited, are not guaranteed, and requests may not be granted in full. Under the U.S. Department of Education rules, students demonstrating the greatest need will be prioritized to receive CARES Act Grants.
No, these funds are not a loan and you will not be asked to pay them back.
Yes, we can mail a check to the permanent address on file; however, the fastest, safest, and most efficient way to receive the funds is through eReimbursement. Please log into GaelXpress and click “My Bank Acct-eReimbursement” and enter your bank routing number and account number.
No, these funds cannot apply toward any student account charges, as they are intended to offset expenses directly related to the disruption of campus activities. However, should you wish to use these funds to make payment on your account, you may deposit the check and issue us a personal check for payment.
No, the College will systematically issue your refund of the full amount of the CARES Act Grant you receive.
No, funds from the CARES Act Grant are not considered financial aid awarded to you and will not affect your financial aid cost of attendance.
Saint Mary’s College has posted the federally mandated CARES Act 30-Day Fund Report at CARES Act Report.