ARPA Student Funding
Cameron University was awarded grant funds as part of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to directly support students who have demonstrated financial need or may be facing financial challenges because of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
The award, from the U.S. Department of Education as part of the ARPA Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III, is designed to prioritize students with the greatest demonstrated financial need.
Cameron University will distribute the ARPA funds to enrolled students with priority given to those with exceptional financial need. Each recipient must be enrolled in the given term when the funds are released.
Each eligible student enrolled in Summer 2021 with a verified expected family contribution (EFC) of $5,711 or less will receive a $600 distribution. Other enrolled students in Summer 2021 will receive $400. The ARPA grant funds will be disbursed via our partner BankMobile. Grant amounts for Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 will be determined at a later date.
Each eligible student enrolled in Fall 2021 with a verified expected family contribution (EFC) of $5,711 or less will receive a $1,200 distribution. Other enrolled students in Fall 2021 will receive $800. The ARPA grant funds will be disbursed via our partner BankMobile. Grant amounts for Spring 2022 will be determined at a later date.
As of August 11, 2021, Cameron University distributed a total of $637,200 to 1,283 students in Summer 2021. As of September 30, 2021, the University has distributed a total of $3,012,000 to 3,088 students for the Fall 2021 distribution. An additional $73,600 has been distributed to 29 students, bringing the total Fall 2021 ARPA student grant distribution to $3,085,600 to 3,117 students as of December 31, 2021.
Each eligible student enrolled in Spring 2022 with a verified expected family contribution (EFC) of $5,711 or less will receive a $1,000 distribution. Other enrolled students in Spring 2022 will receive $670. The ARPA grant funds will be disbursed via our partner BankMobile.
Cameron University distributed a total of $2,341,280 to 2,792 students in Spring 2022. As of March 31, 2022, all of the ARPA student funds have been distributed to students.
ARPA Frequently Asked Questions
What is ARPA?
The American Rescue Plan Act, 2021 (ARPA) is federal legislation that provides a variety of financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
ARPA includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) that provides more than $39 billion in emergency funding to higher education to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus. ARPA requires that an institution receiving funding provide financial aid grants to students.
Cameron University received $5,928,611 to provide directly to students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. These funds will be distributed over the Summer 2021, Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters to eligible enrolled students.
Who will receive emergency financial aid grant funds?
All enrolled students with the exception of concurrently enrolled high school students are eligible to receive emergency grants.
How will I receive this money?
Emergency grants funded through ARPA will be processed via BankMobile. We strongly encourage you to ensure your disbursement preference is current by logging into your BankMobile account at www.refundselection.com.
When will I receive my grant funds?
Emergency grants will be released after the last day to drop with a full refund.
How can I use the money?
Emergency financial aid grants may be used by students for any component of their cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care. Students determine how they may use their emergency financial aid grant within the allowable uses.
Does a balance on my student account affect eligibility for an emergency grant?
Grant eligibility is not affected by your account balance neither will the grant be automatically applied to your account. However, you may use your grant to pay on your account balance.
Do I need to repay the money?
No, you will not need to repay any money received through this fund.
Does this funding affect my other financial aid?
No. This is an emergency grant to assist with costs of attendance and to manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus. It will not have any impact on other financial aid you may be eligible to receive.
Are the emergency grants taxable?
Emergency funds disbursed through ARPA are not considered taxable income.
