COVID Funds

Metropolitan State University received $5,159,002 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act. At least half, or $2,579,501, must be awarded directly to students. Most of the students who were registered for Metropolitan State University spring semester courses on March 6, 2020, and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the CARES Act, were eligible for CARES Act grants. Those who were not eligible include PSEO or concurrent enrollment students, students being assessed senior citizen tuition rates, incarcerated students, those enrolled in non-credit classes, international students, DACA students, and students who have their tuition paid via employee waiver through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

As of June, 2021, Metropolitan State University had fully distributed CARES Act funds of $2,579,501 to students. Of the $2,579,501 distributed, $2,309,100 was distributed to 5,064 students who were registered for Metropolitan State University spring semester courses on March 6, 2020 and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the CARES Act and $270,401 was distributed to 312 students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant.

As of March 31, 2021, Metropolitan State University had distributed CARES Act funds of $2,565,601 to students. Of the $2,565,601 distributed, $2,315,400 was distributed to 5,097 students who were registered for Metropolitan State University spring semester courses on March 6, 2020 and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the CARES Act and $250,201 was distributed to 290 students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant. As of March 31, 2021, Emergency Aid Grant funds available were $13,900. Of the amount initially awarded to students, approximately $10,000 in student disbursements remained unclaimed by students as of March 31, 2021. The University is continuing to contact the individual students with regard to the unclaimed disbursements.

As of December 31, 2020, Metropolitan State University had fully distributed CARES Act funds of $2,579,501 to students. Of the $2,579,501 distributed, $2,329,300 was distributed to 5,170 students who were registered for Metropolitan State University spring semester course on March 6, 2020 and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the CARES Act and $250,201 was distributed to 290 students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant. There was approximately $30,000 in unclaimed student disbursement payments as of December 31, 2020 for which the University is individually contacting the student.

As of September 30, 2020, Metropolitan State University had distributed CARES Act funds of $2,543,589 to students. Of the $2,543,589 distributed, $2,329,300 was distributed to 5,170 students who were registered for Metropolitan State University spring semester courses on March 6, 2020 and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the CARES Act and $214,289 was distributed to 251 students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant. As of September 30, 2020, Emergency Aid Grant funds available were $35,912. There was approximately $30,000 in unclaimed student disbursement payments as of September 30, 2020 for which the University is individually contacting the student.

As of August 13, 2020, 5,170 students received the CARES Act disbursements totaling $2,329,300. Others may have been awarded funds from another Minnesota State institution. Additionally, 245 students received CARES Act funding for Emergency Aid Grants totaling $209,089.

As of June 30, 2020, 5,170 students received the CARES Act disbursements totaling $2,329,300. Others may have been awarded funds from another Minnesota State institution. Additionally, 236 students received CARES Act funding for Emergency Aid Grants totaling $202,174.

Disbursements to students are made primarily through their BankMobile account. More information on BankMobile accounts can be found on the University’s website. If students have questions about their BankMobile accounts, they can contact Gateway Student Services at 651-793-1300 (option 5) or see Gateway's web page.

On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) (P.L. 116-260). This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education (Department) approximately $22.7 billion to distribute to institutions of higher education in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus through the HEERF. This law has some similarities and some important differences from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) (P.L. 116–136) that was enacted on March 27, 2020.

As of June 30, 2021, Metropolitan State University had fully distributed CRRSAA Act funds of $2,579,501 to students. Of the $2,579,501 distributed, $2,579,400 was distributed to 3,481 students who were registered for Metropolitan State University spring semester courses on January 27, 2021 and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the CRRSAA Act and $101 was distributed to students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant.

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, signed into law on March 11, 2021, providing $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. ARP funds are in addition to funds authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA), Public Law 116-260 and the Coronavirus Aid, Recovery, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Public Law 116-136. Emergency funds available to institutions and their students under all emergency funds total $76.2 billion.

Students who are not eligible for direct aid grants include PSEO or concurrent enrollment students, students being assessed senior citizen tuition rates, incarcerated students, those enrolled in non-credit classes, international students, DACA students, and students who have their tuition paid via employee waiver through Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

As of March 31, 2022, Metropolitan State University had 6,340 of eligible students for ARP Act Funds. $2,716,133.47 was distributed to 1483 students for an Emergency Aid Grant. Those who are not eligible include: those being assessed senior citizen tuition rates, students who are incarcerated, and those whose tuition is being paid through employee waiver of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities. Students registered for Spring 2022 semester courses who are experiencing financial emergency situations because of COVID-19, including those caused by paying your fall tuition bill, and have not already received an emergency grant since August 19, 2021, may apply for emergency funds for support. Students do not need to have a completed FAFSA on file to be eligible for up to a $2,000 award.

We distributed direct aid grants of $6,759,494.75 to 9,537 students who were enrolled for spring semester courses, were based on a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from their FAFSA filing and the number of credits enrolled as of January 26, 2022. Students were required to have a 2021-22 FAFSA on file to receive these funds.

We also distributed $833,260.16 to 569 students who applied for a Special Circumstances Award, for college charges.

As of December 31, 2021, Metropolitan State University had distributed ARP Act Funds $2,387,615.47 to 1305 students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant. $3,009,717.50 were distributed to 6,456 students who were registered for Metropolitan State University fall semester courses on September 8, 2021 and who were not specifically excluded under the terms of the ARP Act. We also distributed $833,260.16 to 569 students for a Special Circumstances Award, for college charges.

As of September 30,2021, Metropolitan State University had distributed ARP Act Funds $1,695,153.47 to 936 students who were eligible for an Emergency Aid Grant.

Amount • Description

$18,451,463 • Total University Allocation

$ 9,519,233 • Minimum for Direct Grants/Aid to Eligible Students (of this amount, a minimum of 10% must be used for Emergency Grants to Eligible Students)

$ 68,546 • Section 314(a)(1)(E) and Section 314(a)(1)(F) Allocation – Minority Serving Institutions

$8,863,684 • Maximum Institutional Portion

The university is currently considering options and needs for how to strategically and thoughtfully use these funds. In the meantime, the university leadership invite and welcome your input and ideas. Please send your ideas to covid-19@metrostate.edu.