Notice: CEI HAS EXHAUSTED ALL ARP HEERF III funds as of December 10, 2021
Congress recently passed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which provides COVID-19 relief grant funding for students enrolled in higher education. This funding under ARP is often referred to as the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III).
College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) was awarded a total of $1,910,651, in ARP HEERF III funding to be used for emergency grants to students. This legislation requires that College of Eastern Idaho prioritize grant payments to students with the highest demonstrated need. CEI plans to distribute ARP HEERF III emergency grants to eligible students during Fall 2021. Funds may be used to cover 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.
The 2021-2022 FAFSA was used to determine student need. ARP HEERF III payments to students varied based on the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) calculated on the FAFSA and their enrollment status at the time of distribution. Students who did not complete a FAFSA or who did not submit all required verification documents received only a minimal payment.
What are the eligible requirements to receive ARP HEERF III funding?
Per regulation from the Department of Education, College of Eastern Idaho will prioritize assistance to students with the greatest financial need, which will be identified through the 2021-2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Funds will be automatically offered to students who met the following criteria (data pulled 10/21/2021):
How will the ARP HEERF III funding be distributed?
The highest grant amounts were provided to eligible students who exhibited the highest financial need as determined from their FAFSA. Furthermore, emergency grant award amounts for students who were enrolled less than full-time received a prorated amount. Please see the chart below for the awarding methodology.
Distribution by Block Grant Fall 2021
|
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) |
Enrollment |
Amount |
|
0 |
Full Time 12+ credits |
$ 2,700 |
|
0 |
Three Quarter Time 9-11 credits |
$ 2,025 |
|
0 |
Half-Time 6-8 Credits |
$ 1,350 |
|
0 |
Less than Half time 1-5 credits |
$ 675 |
|
1-2,500 |
Full Time 12+ credits |
$ 2,400 |
|
1-2,500 |
Three Quarter Time 9-11 credits |
$ 1,800 |
|
1-2,500 |
Half-Time 6-8 Credits |
$ 1,200 |
|
1-2,500 |
Less than Half time 1-5 credits |
$ 600 |
|
2,501-5,588 |
Full Time 12+ credits |
$ 2,100 |
|
2,501-5,588 |
Less Than FT 6-11 credits |
$ 1,575 |
|
2,501-5,588 |
Half-Time 6-8 Credits |
$ 1,050 |
|
2,501-5,588 |
Less than Half time 1-5 credits |
$ 525 |
|
5,889-15,000 |
Full Time 12+ credits |
$ 1,800 |
|
5,889-15,000 |
Three Quarter Time 9-11 credits |
$ 1,350 |
|
5,889-15,000 |
Half-Time 6-8 Credits |
$ 900 |
|
5,889-15,000 |
Less than Half time 1-5 credits |
$ 450 |
|
EFC of > 15,000 |
Full Time 12+ credits |
$ 1,500 |
|
EFC of > 15,000 |
Three Quarter Time 9-11 credits |
$ 1,125 |
|
EFC of > 15,000 |
Half-Time 6-8 Credits |
$ 750 |
|
EFC of > 15,000 |
Less than Half time 1-5 credits |
$ 375 |
|
Incomplete/ No FAFSA |
Full Time 12+ credits |
$ 750 |
|
Incomplete/ No FAFSA |
Three Quarter Time 9-11 credits |
$ 563 |
|
Incomplete/ No FAFSA |
Half-Time 6-8 Credits |
$ 375 |
|
Incomplete/ No FAFSA |
Less than Half time 1-5 credits |
$ 188 |
How does the ARP HEERF III affect me as a student?
Funds from the ARP HEERF III emergency fund are not considered financial aid and do not affect a student's current or future financial aid eligibility. The IRS announced that emergency grants provided to students under the first CARES Act HEERF I, the CRRSAA HEERF II , and the recent ARP ACT HEERF III, are not to be included in a student’s gross income and are not taxable.
Are there any students that will not be eligible for the ARP HEERF III funding?
CEI has opted to exclude students who meet the following criteria: Early College/Dual Enrollment students, students who received employee/employee spouse/senior citizen discounted tuition benefits.
How will I receive my ARP HEERF III funding?
For students that have set up eRefund (direct deposit), grants will be processed and deposited to their account. Please allow time for banks to process and accept the refunds. Students with no eRefund will be processed and mailed a check to the mailing address that appears on the student record.
Can I apply for additional emergency relief funding?
Yes. Students with additional financial need may apply for more emergency relief funding. Students must meet the eligibility criteria as listed above. This funding is limited and will be based on the student requested need, and enrollment until funds are exhausted. Students can fill out the ARP HEERF III Relief Funding Application
How long can I apply for ARP HEERF III funding or emergency funding?
Applications will be reviewed weekly until funds are exhausted.
What can I use ARP HEERF III funding for?
Funds may be used to cover 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.
I received the ARP HEERF III funding as a refund. Does this mean my CEI account balance has been paid off?
No. Distribution of ARP HEERF III is made directly to students and not applied toward any outstanding balances that may still be owed by the student. Receipt of these funds does not indicate the recipient has satisfied their financial obligations to College of Eastern Idaho for any debts incurred during the Fall 2021 term, prior terms, or upcoming terms where funds are available. Please check your current account balance on Student Self-Service to determine what you may still owe.
Learn how CEI has implemented the distribution of ARP HEERF III funding for students in need. College of Eastern Idaho published ARP HEERF III Report detailing ARP HEERF III funds distribution.
Communications related to ARP HEERF III Grants:
Communication for Other Financial Assistance Available:
