American Rescue Plan (HEERF III)
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and includes funds for students to help with immediate needs related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Cuesta College will be disbursing 7.3 million to students in the form of emergency grants and book vouchers during the Spring 2022 semester.
All Spring enrolled students at Cuesta College are eligible!
Available to ALL students who are degree and non-degree seeking, non-credit, dual enrollment, and continuing education students and students who may be enrolled solely in distance education courses.
Students that are U.S. citizens and permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers,
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, other DREAMers or similar
undocumented students and international students are eligible to apply.
Click here for the HEERF III Reference Page.
| Amount | As of Date | Total Students Paid (duplicated) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,545,684 | 05/02/2022 | 3,494 |
| $1,763,790 | 04/25/2022 | 3,503 |
| $3,525,125 | 02/28/2022 | 3,377 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The American Rescue Plan is the third installment of Higher Education Emergency Relief funding to assist students who have “exceptional need” with emergency costs that have directly resulted from coronavirus and the ongoing national emergency.
The ARP requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell grants, in awarding financial aid grants to students. However, students do not need to be only Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants. Any enrolled Spring 2022 student (as long as funds are available) is eligible.
Spring 2022 only.
The American Rescue Plan is the last round of known Higher Education Emergency Relief funding to assist students.
+Toggle d9e198 AccordionHow is Cuesta determining eligible students and the amount of the ARP grant?
Cuesta will auto award students who have an EFC (expected family contribution) less than $5,846 and are enrolled in Spring. The awards are different based on EFC and number of enrolled units. If you do not have an EFC below $5,846 or do not have one at all and are enrolled you will need to apply before February 27, 2022, to receive a disbursement on February 28, 2022.
Financial aid grants for students may be used for any component of the student’s 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.
No, the ARP grant does not affect any financial aid. This grant does not need to be repaid.
Yes! Updated guidance has stated that any student is eligible for the funds, regardless of status, or completion of a financial aid application.
Disbursements will be sent through BankMobile. If you have not set up your disbursement method with BankMobile, your disbursement may be delayed. Please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@cuesta.edu if you need assistance selecting your disbursement method with BankMobile. Funding will be disbursed through student accounts, and delivered through the BankMobile refund preference.
Contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@cuesta.edu