Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA)

Budget Office

Lander University is pleased to announce that the University has once again received more than $1.7 million in federal coronavirus relief funding to assist students with expenses related to the ongoing COVID-19 health crisis.

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), signed into law on December 27, 2020, gave the U.S. Department of Education additional funds to distribute to colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II). In 2020, this stimulus package was known as CARES Act funding.

The University will begin distributing HEERF II funding to eligible students this week, based on a calculation that prioritizes enrollment status and financial need, as required by the U.S. Department of Education. This second round of stimulus funding is designed to assist students with the costs of their education, including tuition and books, as well as other emergency expenses related to the pandemic, such as food, housing, health care, technology and child care.

CRRSAA HEERF II Monthly Funding Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the second round of CARES Act funding?

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA was signed into law on December 27, 2020 and gave the U.S. Department of Education additional funds to distribute to colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II). In 2020, this stimulus package was known as CARES Act funding.

Lander University will be using its allocation of HEERF II funding is to assist currently enrolled, degree-seeking students who are U.S. citizens as well as Title IV eligible non-citizens with the costs of their education, including tuition and books, as well as other emergency expenses related to the pandemic, such as food, housing, healthcare, technology and childcare.

Who is eligible for the funding?

Based on guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, financial aid grants awarded to eligible students will be based on a calculation that prioritizes enrollment status, Pell eligibility and financial need.

Be enrolled full-time or part-time in the Spring 2021 semester (face-to-face or online) as a degree-seeking student. Unlike the CARES Act (2020) funding, HEERF II funding will be available to students enrolled exclusively in online/distance learning;

Be a U.S. citizen, or a non-citizen who is eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (i.e., be eligible to receive federal student aid). To see a list of Title IV eligibility requirements, please click here.

Non-eligible students who are experiencing an urgent financial hardship may apply for emergency assistance through Lander's Student Crisis Fund. Click here to see Student Crisis Fund eligibility and application instructions.

How much will I receive?

Full-time students who meet the eligibility requirements above will receive a grant of $250, with additional allotments of $250 for each of the following criteria that apply:

Initial gross need of $5,000 or more, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)	$250
Remaining need greater than $500 (gross need minus financial aid offered)	$250
Pell Grant recipient, indicating exceptional need	$250

Eligible full-time students will receive between $250-1,000, depending on their demonstrated financial need based on the chart above. Part-time students will be evaluated using the same guidelines; however, funding will be prorated and based on the student's actual hours of enrollment.

How and when will I receive my funds?

HEERF II funds will be disbursed to eligible students the week of April 19, 2021.

Students who have enrolled in direct deposit through the Office of Student Accounts will receive their funds electronically. Students not currently enrolled in direct deposit but who would like to select this option may sign up in the MyLander portal. (Under Bearcat Web Highlights, choose Student Payments/eRefunds and follow the prompts.) You must be enrolled by noon on Wednesday, April 21, 2021, to receive a direct deposit.

Students without direct deposit will receive a paper check mailed to their home address.

Can I apply the funds to my student balance or upcoming tuition?

Yes. The federal government is allowing students to apply HEERF II funding toward educational expenses, including tuition and fees. Students with outstanding balances will receive additional instructions from the Office of Student Accounts on how they can use this funding to pay on their current balance. (Click here to view your current student account balance in the MyLander portal.)

Will I need to repay this grant?

No. This funding is a one-time emergency grant provided by the federal government, and it does not need to be repaid. Additionally, it will not impact or replace any financial aid you may currently receive.

For More Information:

Visit the U.S. Dept. of Education's website or https://www.nasfaa.org/heerf_ii

Questions regarding your financial aid eligibility, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 864-388-8340 or finaid@lander.edu.

Students with additional questions about funding eligibility or their student account balance may contact the Office of Student Accounts, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday, at 864-388-8303 or studentaccounts@lander.edu.