HEERF II-CRRSAA

Institutions are allowed broader eligibility criteria for HEERF II awards as opposed to the criteria identified by the U.S. Department of Education for CARES HEERF I funding. International, DACA, and Undocumented students are not eligible. Institutions must prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants.

Cowley identifies eligible students as meeting the following criteria:

• Eligible citizenship status
• Enrolled in 6 or more credit hours for the Spring 2021 semester on April 5th, 2021

To eliminate barriers and provide needed assistance as expeditiously as possible, Cowley is awarding HEERF II grants through block awards to students. Award amounts are based on enrollment and financial aid status with Pell eligible students prioritized.

Cowley’s model identifies 5 categories of award:

• High School Students enrolled in 6 or more credit hours
• Students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with a Pell eligible EFC
• Students enrolled in 6-11 credit hours with a Pell eligible EFC
• Students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with no FAFSA on file or no Pell eligible EFC
• Students enrolled in 6-11 credit hours with no FAFSA on file or no Pell eligible EFC

Enrollment and financial aid status are as determined on April 5th, 2021. Students enrolled in less than 6 credit hours or not meeting citizenship requirements will not receive an award. Students receiving an award will be notified by email or letter.

Students who have filed a FAFSA do not need to complete an application nor submit any paperwork. Cowley is awarding HEERF II grants through block awards based on enrollment and financial aid status. Non-FAFSA filers will need to fill out the application by clicking here.

HEERF II funds can be used for any component of the student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.

Examples of permissible costs include:

• Tuition and fees
• Food
• Housing
• Health care (including mental health care)
• Child care

Students may use HEERF II funds to reduce or possibly pay in full their account balance by completing an authorization. Students may provide authorization in the following way:

1. FAFSA filers-Log in to their Financial Aid Portal and complete the online HEERF II authorization form located under the Menu bar
2. Non-FAFSA filers-authorization on application

Students whose award is in excess of their student account charges will receive a credit balance refund for the difference in a form of a check.

Students not providing authorization will not have the grant applied to their Cowley account charges. This may mean the student still has a balance due.

HEERF II funds are meant to provide short-term assistance to students. Available funds were through block awarding for FAFSA filers. Reserved funds for non-filers are available on a first come first serve basis. Once Cowley’s allocation is exhausted no future HEERF II funds will be available.

The Cowley Financial Aid Office is committed to eliminating financial barriers and helping students identify ways to make their education affordable. If you would like information regarding financial aid opportunities, or the financial aid process at Cowley, please visit our website at www.cowley.edu/finaid/index.html or email financialaid@cowley.edu.

Students who have experienced a change in household income may qualify for an adjustment to their FAFSA, to better reflect their current income situation and ability to pay. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for additional information.