HEERF III Funding

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) signed into law on March 11, 2021.  ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA).  The minimum amount for the CSUSM student aid portion is $23,421,610.

Students with a submitted FAFSA or CADAA (Dreamers) application are accounted for in the EFC distribution.  Students will automatically receive the award with no application required.  The award is fully refundable to the student even if balance is due on the account.

The language in this third relief bill is to provide direct aid to students with the highest need and those are the students this funding is directed to.

Fall 2021

Population	Count	Award Amount	Cost
0-6,000 EFC	7,837	$2,000	$15,674,000
6,001 - 15,000 EFC	2,076	$1,000	$2,076,000
15,000+ EFC	2,720	$500	$1,360,000
Totals:	12,633		$19,110,000

Spring 2022

Population	Count	Award Amount	Cost
0-6,395 EFC	7,837	$500	$3,785,500

Students may use the funds to cover any portion of their educational costs and emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus including:

• Tuition, fees, books, and school supplies
• Housing, utilities, and food
• Health care expenses including mental health  
• Child-care costs 
• Transportation expenses

Please note that the grant will be disbursed directly to the student even if they have outstanding charges.

Students who did not file a FAFSA/CADAA application are ineligible.  These students can gain eligibility by completing either the FAFSA or CADA application until the funding is exhausted.