CARES Act and HEERF Reporting
CARES Act at SDSU
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, which establishes and funds the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, directs institutions of higher education to use no less than 50% of funds received under Sections 18004(a)(1) and 18004(c) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus and up to 50% of the funds they receive to cover any costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to the coronavirus.
South Dakota State University signed and returned to the department the certification and agreement to receive CARES Act funds April 25, 2020, and has used no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.
Awarding Protocol
- Students attending a site that transitioned to online courses. Online students are not eligible.
- Undergraduate and graduate students.
- Eligible for Title IV aid verified through Free Application for Federal Student Aid completion.
- Enrolled for spring and currently enrolled at the time the CARES Act was enacted.
- Completed the CARES Act Emergency Aid Grant Application noting how they were impacted by COVID-19 and the associated campus closure.
- Students were emailed a link to the online application along with the grant amount they are eligible to receive to their SDSU-issued student email account. Only students eligible were provided an application link.
Disbursement Plan
Award amounts are determined by the Expected Family Contribution and will be distributed as follows:
| EFC Range | CARES Act Emergency Grant Amount |
|---|---|
| $0-5,576 | $600 |
| $5,577-11,000 | $500 |
| $11,001-20,000 | $400 |
| $20,001+ | $300 |
| No FAFSA but eligible | $250 |
*Students enrolled less than full time will be eligible for half of the grant amount.
For more information, contact the SDSU Financial Aid Office at 605-688-4695.
CARES Reports
Report Date: May 12, 2020
Student CARES Emergency Grant Funds: $3,010,084
Institutional CARES Funds: $3,010,084
Total CARES Funds: $6,020,168
Total Disbursed as of May 12, 2020: $1,619,025
Estimated Number of Title IV Eligible Students Taking Campus Courses: 6,332
Total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant as of May 12, 2020: 3,536
Report Date: June 15, 2020
Student CARES Emergency Grant Funds: $3,010,084
Institutional CARES Funds: $3,010,084
Total CARES Funds: $6,020,168
Total Disbursed as of June 15, 2020: $3,010,084
Estimated Number of Title IV Eligible Students Taking Campus Courses: 6,332
Total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant as of June 15, 2020: 5,276
Report Date: July 8, 2020
Student CARES Emergency Grant Funds: $3,010,084
Institutional CARES Funds: $3,010,084
Total CARES Funds: $6,020,168
Total Disbursed as of June 15, 2020: $3,010,084
Estimated Number of Title IV Eligible Students Taking Campus Courses: 6,332
Total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant as of June 15, 2020: 5,276
Report Date: Aug. 20, 2020
There are no additional updates to the use of CARES Act funds for the student aid grant since the last posted update on July 8, 2020.
Student CARES Emergency Grant Funds: $3,010,084
Institutional CARES Funds: $3,010,084
Total CARES Funds: $6,020,168
Total Disbursed as of June 15, 2020: $3,010,084
Estimated Number of Title IV Eligible Students Taking Campus Courses: 6,332
Total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant as of June 15, 2020: 5,276
Quarterly Report Date: Oct. 1, 2020
There are no additional updates to the use of CARES Act funds for the student aid grant since the last posted update on Aug. 20, 2020.
Student CARES Emergency Grant Funds: $3,010,084
Institutional CARES Funds: $3,010,084
Total CARES Funds: $6,020,168
Total Disbursed as of June 15, 2020: $3,010,084
Estimated Number of Title IV Eligible Students Taking Campus Courses: 6,332
Total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant as of June 15, 2020: 5,276
Quarterly Report: Jan. 6, 2021
There are no additional updates to the use of CARES Act funds for the student aid grant since the last posted update on Oct. 1, 2020.
Student CARES Emergency Grant Funds: $3,010,084
Institutional CARES Funds: $3,010,084
Total CARES Funds: $6,020,168
Total Disbursed as of June 15, 2020: $3,010,084
Estimated Number of Title IV Eligible Students Taking Campus Courses: 6,332
Total number of students who have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant as of June 15, 2020: 5,276
CARES Act Email Sent To Students
Report Date: May 12, 2020
This email is intended for the recipient only, and information contained herein applies to the recipient only.
Dear SDSU Student,
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision by South Dakota State University to move in-person courses online has had an impact on you in many ways. We are pleased to inform you that you may be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Grant in an amount up to $600. Students who are enrolled less than half time during the spring 2020 semester will receive reduced awards. This funding can be provided directly to you to assist with your expenses related to COVID-19 and our decision to move courses online.
In order to receive your CARES Act Emergency Grant, you must complete this application: CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application. This should take you less than five minutes to complete and submit. To qualify you must certify the expenses you experienced due the disruption of campus by selecting one or more of the expense categories on the application. Within five business days of receiving your application, your approved CARES Act Emergency Grant will be processed and disbursed to you through either:
- Direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your grant funds. To set up or change your direct deposit information, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the Student Account Self Service, select direct deposit allocations, select direct deposit refunds and follow the instructions.
- Check mailed to your student refund address. If you have not set up a student refund address, then your check will go to the permanent address listed in our records. To set up or update your student refund address, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the student account self service and select student personal information. In the address section under student refund address, click add new to add a student refund address or click the edit button to update your existing address.
You may also be concerned about summer or fall finances and your ability to continue your education at SDSU. If you or your family have had a change in your finances that is not reflected on your 2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss possible options, including adjusting your FAFSA to reflect your current financial situation.
If you have additional questions about the CARES Act Emergency Grant, please send an email to the SDSU Cares Act Grant. For other questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email or phone at 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Michaela L. Willis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Report Date: June 15, 2020
This email is intended for the recipient only, and information contained herein applies to the recipient only.
Dear SDSU Student,
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision by South Dakota State University to move in-person courses online has had an impact on you in many ways. We are pleased to inform you that you may be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Grant in an amount up to $600. Students who are enrolled less than half time during the spring 2020 semester will receive reduced awards. This funding can be provided directly to you to assist with your expenses related to COVID-19 and our decision to move courses online.
In order to receive your CARES Act Emergency Grant, you must complete this application: CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application. This should take you less than five minutes to complete and submit. To qualify you must certify the expenses you experienced due the disruption of campus by selecting one or more of the expense categories on the application. Within five business days of receiving your application, your approved CARES Act Emergency Grant will be processed and disbursed to you through either:
- Direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your grant funds. To set up or change your direct deposit information, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the Student Account Self Service, select direct deposit allocations, select direct deposit refunds and follow the instructions.
- Check mailed to your student refund address. If you have not set up a student refund address, then your check will go to the permanent address listed in our records. To set up or update your student refund address, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the student account self service and select student personal information. In the address section under student refund address, click add new to add a student refund address or click the edit button to update your existing address.
You may also be concerned about summer or fall finances and your ability to continue your education at SDSU. If you or your family have had a change in your finances that is not reflected on your 2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss possible options, including adjusting your FAFSA to reflect your current financial situation.
If you have additional questions about the CARES Act Emergency Grant, please send an email to the SDSU Cares Act Grant. For other questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email or phone at 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Michaela L. Willis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Report Date: July 8, 2020
This email is intended for the recipient only, and information contained herein applies to the recipient only.
Dear SDSU Student,
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision by South Dakota State University to move in-person courses online has had an impact on you in many ways. We are pleased to inform you that you may be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Grant in an amount up to $600. Students who are enrolled less than half time during the spring 2020 semester will receive reduced awards. This funding can be provided directly to you to assist with your expenses related to COVID-19 and our decision to move courses online.
In order to receive your CARES Act Emergency Grant, you must complete this application: CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application. This should take you less than five minutes to complete and submit. To qualify you must certify the expenses you experienced due the disruption of campus by selecting one or more of the expense categories on the application. Within five business days of receiving your application, your approved CARES Act Emergency Grant will be processed and disbursed to you through either:
- Direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your grant funds. To set up or change your direct deposit information, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the Student Account Self Service, select direct deposit allocations, select direct deposit refunds and follow the instructions.
- Check mailed to your student refund address. If you have not set up a student refund address, then your check will go to the permanent address listed in our records. To set up or update your student refund address, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the student account self service and select student personal information. In the address section under student refund address, click add new to add a student refund address or click the edit button to update your existing address.
You may also be concerned about summer or fall finances and your ability to continue your education at SDSU. If you or your family have had a change in your finances that is not reflected on your 2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss possible options, including adjusting your FAFSA to reflect your current financial situation.
If you have additional questions about the CARES Act Emergency Grant, please send an email to the SDSU Cares Act Grant. For other questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email or phone at 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Michaela L. Willis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Report Date: Aug. 20, 2020
This email is intended for the recipient only, and information contained herein applies to the recipient only.
Dear SDSU Student,
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision by South Dakota State University to move in-person courses online has had an impact on you in many ways. We are pleased to inform you that you may be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Grant in an amount up to $600. Students who are enrolled less than half-time during the Spring 2020 semester will receive reduced awards. This funding can be provided directly to you to assist with your expenses related to COVID-19 and our decision to move courses online.
In order to receive your CARES Act Emergency Grant, you must complete this application: CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application. This should take you less than five minutes to complete and submit. To qualify you must certify the expenses you experienced due the disruption of campus by selecting one or more of the expense categories on the application. Within five business days of receiving your application, your approved CARES Act Emergency Grant will be processed and disbursed to you through either:
- Direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your grant funds. To set up or change your direct deposit information, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the Student Account Self Service, select direct deposit allocations, select direct deposit refunds and follow the instructions.
- Check mailed to your student refund address. If you have not set up a student refund address, then your check will go to the permanent address listed in our records. To set up or update your student refund address, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the student account self service and select student personal information. In the address section under student refund address, click add new to add a student refund address or click the edit button to update your existing address.
You may also be concerned about summer or fall finances and your ability to continue your education at SDSU. If you or your family have had a change in your finances that is not reflected on your 2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss possible options, including adjusting your FAFSA to reflect your current financial situation.
If you have additional questions about the CARES Act Emergency Grant please email sdsu.caresgrant@sdstate.edu. For other questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at sdsu.finaid@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Michaela L. Willis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Quarterly Report Date: Jan. 6, 2021
This email is intended for the recipient only, and information contained herein applies to the recipient only.
Dear SDSU Student,
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision by South Dakota State University to move in-person courses online has had an impact on you in many ways. We are pleased to inform you that you may be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Grant in an amount up to $600. Students who are enrolled less than half time during the spring 2020 semester will receive reduced awards. This funding can be provided directly to you to assist with your expenses related to COVID-19 and our decision to move courses online.
In order to receive your CARES Act Emergency Grant, you must complete this application: CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application. This should take you less than five minutes to complete and submit. To qualify you must certify the expenses you experienced due the disruption of campus by selecting one or more of the expense categories on the application. Within five business days of receiving your application, your approved CARES Act Emergency Grant will be processed and disbursed to you through either:
- Direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your grant funds. To set up or change your direct deposit information, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the Student Account Self Service, select direct deposit allocations, select direct deposit refunds and follow the instructions.
- Check mailed to your student refund address. If you have not set up a student refund address, then your check will go to the permanent address listed in our records. To set up or update your student refund address, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the student account self service and select student personal information. In the address section under student refund address, click add new to add a student refund address or click the edit button to update your existing address.
You may also be concerned about summer or fall finances and your ability to continue your education at SDSU. If you or your family have had a change in your finances that is not reflected on your 2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss possible options, including adjusting your FAFSA to reflect your current financial situation.
If you have additional questions about the CARES Act Emergency Grant, please send an email to the SDSU Cares Act Grant. For other questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email or phone at 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Michaela L. Willis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Quarterly Report Date: Oct. 1, 2020
This email is intended for the recipient only, and information contained herein applies to the recipient only.
Dear SDSU Student,
We understand the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision by South Dakota State University to move in-person courses online has had an impact on you in many ways. We are pleased to inform you that you may be eligible for a CARES Act Emergency Grant in an amount up to $600. Students who are enrolled less than half time during the spring 2020 semester will receive reduced awards. This funding can be provided directly to you to assist with your expenses related to COVID-19 and our decision to move courses online.
In order to receive your CARES Act Emergency Grant, you must complete this application: CARES Act Student Emergency Grant Application. This should take you less than five minutes to complete and submit. To qualify you must certify the expenses you experienced due the disruption of campus by selecting one or more of the expense categories on the application. Within five business days of receiving your application, your approved CARES Act Emergency Grant will be processed and disbursed to you through either:
- Direct deposit into your bank account. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your grant funds. To set up or change your direct deposit information, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the Student Account Self Service, select direct deposit allocations, select direct deposit refunds and follow the instructions.
- Check mailed to your student refund address. If you have not set up a student refund address, then your check will go to the permanent address listed in our records. To set up or update your student refund address, go to the MyState dashboard tab, click on the link to the student account self service and select student personal information. In the address section under student refund address, click add new to add a student refund address or click the edit button to update your existing address.
You may also be concerned about summer or fall finances and your ability to continue your education at SDSU. If you or your family have had a change in your finances that is not reflected on your 2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss possible options, including adjusting your FAFSA to reflect your current financial situation.
If you have additional questions about the CARES Act Emergency Grant, please send an email to the SDSU Cares Act Grant. For other questions about financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office by email or phone at 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
Sincerely,
Michaela L. Willis
Vice President for Student Affairs
Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 2020 – Posted Oct. 30, 2020
CRRSA ACT and HEERF II Student Funds
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (enacted Dec. 27, 2020) provided additional Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds. A portion of these funds were designated to be spent as emergency funds for students. The HEERF II allocations were in addition to the initial HEERF funds received as part of the CARES Act in April 2020. On Jan. 17, 2021, South Dakota State University received the Grant Award Notification for the HEERF II student funds. SDSU acknowledged receipt of the GAN on Jan. 20, 2021.
HEERF II Student Emergency Fund Awarding Protocol
SDSU’s HEERF II student funds were used to award emergency grants (called CARES II Emergency Grants) to students enrolled at SDSU in the spring 2021 term. The CRRSA Act specified that when making awards out of the HEERF II student fund, schools should prioritize students with exceptional financial need such as students who receive federal Pell Grants. SDSU did not require students to complete an application to receive the funds. Instead, grants were paid to eligible students based on the students meeting the eligibility criteria as of Feb. 24, 2021.
To qualify for the grant, students must have
- Been enrolled in at least one credit hour at SDSU for the spring 2021 semester as an undergraduate student in a bachelor's degree, associate degree or teacher certification program.
- Not withdrawn from the spring 2021 term.
- Filed a FAFSA for the 2020-21 year that was not rejected, was received by SDSU and included a valid Estimated Family Contribution number.
- Established eligibility to receive a Pell Grant for the spring 2021 term or have both an EFC from FAFSA between zero and 12,119 and unmet financial need after gift aid of at least $5,000.
- Met the Title IV eligibility requirements of Section 484 of the Higher Education Act, including meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards and citizenship requirements.
Awards were paid to students between March 1 and March 12, 2021. Award amounts ranged from $250 to $1,500 depending on Pell eligibility, EFC and enrollment status. The following chart provides the distribution information:
| Student Eligibility Criteria | HEERF II Grant Amount* |
|---|---|
| Pell Recipients | $1,500 |
| 0 to 5,711 EFC (not Pell-Eligible) and unmet need after gift aid >= $5,000 | $1,000 |
| 5,712 to 12,119 EFC and unmet need after gift aid >= $5,000 | $500 |
*Students enrolled less than half time received half the grant amount
Question about eligibility and award amounts should be directed to SDSU CARES Grant SDSU CARES Grant.
SDSU HEERF II Information
HEERF II Information (as of June 2021)
HEERF II student funds: $3,010,084
HEERF II student funds disbursed as emergency grants to students: $3,010,084
Number of students who have received HEERF II student funds: 2661
CRRSA HEERF II institutional funds: $6,980,384
Note: $31,500 of the CRRSA HEERF II institutional funds have been used as grants to students
Total CRSAA HEERF II student and institutional funds: $9,990,468
HEERF II Information (as of March 19, 2021)
HEERF II student funds: $3,010,084
HEERF II student funds disbursed as emergency grants to students: $3,041,584
Number of students who have received HEERF II student funds: 2661
CRRSA HEERF II institutional funds: $6,980,384
Total CRSAA HEERF II student and institutional funds: $9,990,468
Student Notification of Eligibility
Students who qualified for the HEERF II grants were notified by an email sent to their Jacks email address.
Sample Email: Student Notification of Eligibility
Dear SDSU Student,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a CARES II Emergency Grant in the amount of $1,000. You do not need to complete an application to receive this grant. The grant funds were provided through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act recently passed by the U.S. Congress. Your grant will be disbursed to you this week through direct deposit or, if you have not set up direct deposit, by paper check to your student refund address. It may take several days for the funds to show up in your bank account.
You may use the funds to cover any portion of your educational costs and emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus including things like:
- Tuition, fees, books and school supplies
- Housing, utilities and food
- Healthcare expenses, including mental health
- Child care costs
- Transportation expenses
Please note that the grant will disbursed directly to you even if you have outstanding charges on your SDSU account. If you choose to use your grant funds to cover tuition, room or meal plan charges that you owe to SDSU, you will need to make a payment to your account by visiting the Cashier’s Office or through SDePay.
If you have additional questions about the CARES II Emergency Grant or your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at SDSU Financial Aid or 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
SDSU Financial Aid Team
HEERF III
The American Rescue Plan (enacted March 2021) provided additional Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds. A portion of these funds were designated to be spent as emergency funds for students. The HEERF III allocations were in addition to the initial HEERF I and II funds received as part of the CARES Act in April 2020 and the CRRSA Act in December 2020.
HEERF III Student Emergency Fund Awarding Protocol
SDSU’s HEERF III student funds will be awarded to students attending summer 2021 and fall 2021 terms.
Summer Grants
Awards will be paid out to summer 2021 students in July or August, depending on when the student’s first summer course starts. To receive summer 2021 grant funds, students must:
- Be degree-seeking at SDSU during the summer 2021 term working on an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or professional degree.
- For students whose first summer class began on or before July 13, 2021, they must be enrolled in at least one summer credit on July 13, 2021, and not have dropped all summer credits or have withdrawn from summer term before July 13, 2021.
- For students whose first summer class began after July 13, 2021, they must be enrolled in at least one summer credit by Aug. 17, 2021 and not have dropped or withdrawn from all summer credits before Aug. 17, 2021.
- Begin attendance in at least one summer 2021 course.
| Financial Need/Credit Load | Less than Half Time | Half Time and Above |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5,846 FAFSA EFC | $250 | $500 |
| 5,847 to 11,999 FAFSA EFC | $200 | $400 |
| EFC > or = 12,000 or no FAFSA | $150 | $300 |
Fall Grants
Awards will be paid out to fall 2021 students based on enrollment the day after the last day to drop and add fall classes. Students who drop all fall classes or withdraw prior to Sept. 3, 2021, will not be eligible for the grant. Additionally, students who receive a fall grant payment and who do not start their fall classes may be required to repay the fall grant funds. To receive a fall grant students must:
- Be degree-seeking at SDSU during the fall 2021 term working on an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or professional degree.
- Be enrolled in at least one fall 2021 credit Sept. 3, 2021, and not have dropped all summer credits or have withdrawn from summer term before Sept. 3, 2021.
- Begin attendance in at least one fall 2021 course.
Fall grant award amounts will be based on enrollment status and financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA. Actual amounts will be determined based on the number of students attending Sept. 3, 2021.
Question about eligibility and award amounts should be directed to sdsu.CARESGrant@sdstate.edu.
HEERF III Information
HEERF III Information (as of June 1, 2021)
HEERF III student funds: $8,975,737
HEERF III student funds disbursed as emergency grants to students: $0
Number of students who have received HEERF III student funds: 0
Student Notification of Eligibility
Students who qualified for the HEERF II grants were notified by an email sent to their Jacks email address.
Sample Email: Student Notification of Eligibility
Dear SDSU Student,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a CARES Grant in the amount of $500. You do not need to complete an application to receive this grant. The grant funds were provided through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed by the U.S. Congress.
Your grant will be disbursed to you within 10 days through direct deposit or, if you have not set up direct deposit, by check to your student refund address. It may take several days for the funds to show up in your bank account.
You may use the funds to cover any portion of your educational costs and emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus, including things like:
- Tuition, fees, books and school supplies
- Housing, utilities and food
- Healthcare expenses, including mental health
- Childcare costs
- Transportation expenses
Please note that the grant will disbursed directly to you even if you have outstanding charges on your SDSU account. If you choose to use your grant funds to cover charges that you owe to SDSU, you will need to make a payment to your account by visiting the Cashier’s Office or through SDePay. If you fail to start at least one of your summer classes, you may be required to repay the grant.
If you have additional questions about the grant or your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at SDSU.finaid@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
SDSU Financial Aid Team
HEERF I, II, III Student Fund Combined Reports
South Dakota State University has received allocations to provide grants to students through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the CARES Act, CRRSAA and the American Rescue Plan. SDSU has signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the certification and agreement documents for each grant allocation. SDSU will use all HEERF funds designated for students grants to provide grants to qualifying students.
Prior to the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2021, South Dakota State University provided separate quarterly reports for each of the HEERF student grant funds allocated under the CARES ACT, CRRSAA and the American Rescue Plan. Per guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, effective with the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2021, quarterly reporting for these three grants will be combined into one report.
HEERF III Student Emergency Fund Awarding Methodology
HEERF III student emergency funds were disbursed to students attending the summer 2021 and fall 2021 terms.
Summer Grants
Awards will be paid out to summer 2021 students in July or August, depending on when the student’s first summer course starts. To receive summer 2021 grant funds, students must:
- Be degree-seeking at SDSU during the summer 2021 term working on an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or professional degree.
- For students whose first summer class began on or before July 13, 2021, they must be enrolled in at least one summer credit on July 13, 2021, and not have dropped all summer credits or have withdrawn from summer term before July 13, 2021.
- For students whose first summer class began after July 13, 2021, they must be enrolled in at least one summer credit Aug. 17, 2021, and not have dropped or withdrawn from all summer credits before Aug. 17, 2021.
- Begin attendance in at least one summer 2021 course.
| Financial Need/Credit Load | Less than Half Time | Half Time and Above |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5,846 FAFSA EFC | $250 | $500 |
| 5,847 to 11,999 FAFSA EFC | $200 | $400 |
| EFC > or = 12,000 or no FAFSA | $150 | $300 |
Fall Grants
Block awards were paid out to fall 2021 students based on enrollment the day after the last day to drop and add fall classes. Students who drop all fall classes or withdraw prior to Sept. 3, 2021, will not be eligible for the grant. Additionally, students who receive a fall grant payment and who do not start their fall classes may be required to repay the fall grant funds. To receive a fall grant, a student must:
- Be degree-seeking at SDSU during the fall 2021 term working on an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or professional degree.
- Be enrolled in at least one fall 2021 credit Sept. 3, 2021, and not have dropped all fall credits or have withdrawn from the fall term before Sept. 3, 2021.
- Begin attendance in at least one fall 2021 course.*
Fall block grant award amounts ranged from $350 to $1,100 will be based on enrollment status** and financial need as demonstrated by the FAFSA. Please see the chart below for additional details.
| Financial Need Index | Less than Half Time | Half Time and Above |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5,846 EFC | $550 | $1,100 |
| 5,847 to 11,999 EFC | $425 | $850 |
| EFC > 11,999 or no FAFSA | $350 | $700 |
*Students who receive a fall block grant and do not attend a fall 2021 course may be eligible to retain their grants if they have established eligibility for HEERF funds by attending the spring 2020 or subsequent term prior to fall 2021.
**Students who add credits and move from less than half time to at least half time status on or after Sept. 3 may request a grant increase based on additional enrollment by emailing SDSU CARES Grant. Request will be honored until the student portion of the HEERF III funding has been exhausted.
Supplemental Emergency Grants
Any HEERF III student funds that remained after the block grants were distributed will be used to provide supplemental emergency grants to qualifying students. To qualify students must:
- Be degree-seeking at SDSU working on an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral or professional degree.
- Be enrolled in or have been enrolled in at least one credit hour during the term the grant is requested.
- Complete the ARP HEERF Supplemental Grant Application. The application will remain active until the funds are exhausted.
- Document exceptional financial need for allowable expenses that exceed the amount of the prior block grant(s).
HEERF II Student Emergency Fund Awarding Methodology
No HEERF II student funds were spent in this quarter. HEERF II student emergency grant funds were exhausted during the spring 2021 term. Please visit the quarter ending June 30, 2021 report for information on awarding methodology and notification to recipients.
HEERF I Student Emergency Fund Awarding Methodology
No HEERF I student funds were spend in this quarter. HEERF I student emergency grant funds were exhausted during summer 2020 term.
Quarterly Report: Sept. 30, 2021
Total HEERF student funds received: $14,995,905.
- HEERF I: $3,010,084
- HEERF II: $3,010,084
- HEERF III: $8,975,737
HEERF student funds disbursed as emergency grants to students July 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021: $8,947,071.
- HEERF I: $0 (all HEERF I student funds were spent in prior quarters)
- HEERF II: $0 (all HEERF II student funds were spent in prior quarters)
- HEERF III: $8,947,071
Estimated number of students eligible to receive HEERF emergency grants in the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2021: 10,601.
Number of students who received HEERF emergency grants in the quarter ending Sept. 30, 2021: 10,601.
Quarterly Report: Dec. 31, 2021
Total HEERF student funds received: $14,995,905.
- HEERF I: $3,010,084
- HEERF II: $3,010,084
- HEERF III: $8,975,737
HEERF student funds disbursed as emergency grants to students Oct. 1, 2021, through Dec. 31, 2021: $28,666.
- HEERF I: $0 (all HEERF I student funds were spent in prior quarters)
- HEERF II: $0 (all HEERF II student funds were spent in prior quarters)
- HEERF III: $28,666
Estimated number of students eligible to receive HEERF emergency grants in the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2021: 11.
Number of students who received HEERF emergency grants in the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2021: 11.
Quarterly Report: March 31, 2022
Total HEERF student funds received: $14,995,905.
- HEERF I: $3,010,084
- HEERF II: $3,010,084
- HEERF III: $8,975,737
HEERF student funds disbursed as emergency grants to students Jan. 1, 2022, through March 31, 2022: $28,666.
- HEERF I: $0 (all HEERF I student funds were spent in prior quarters)
- HEERF II: $0 (all HEERF II student funds were spent in prior quarters)
- HEERF III: $0
Estimated number of students eligible to receive HEERF emergency grants in the quarter ending Dec. 31, 2021: 11.
Number of students who received HEERF emergency grants in the quarter ending March 31, 2022: 0.
Instructions and Guidance Provided to Students
Students who qualified for grants in this quarter received an email notification from the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships detailing:
- The amount and source of the grant
- How and when the grant would be provided to the student
- What the grant could be spent on
- That the grant would be paid to the student even if the student owed a balance to SDSU
- That the grant may have to be repaid if the student did not attend the term
Student Sample Email: Fall 2021 Block Grant
Dear SDSU Student,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been awarded a CARES Grant in the amount of $1,100. The grant funds were provided through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 passed by the U.S. Congress. You do not need to complete an application to receive this grant.
Your grant will be disbursed to your bank account this week through direct deposit or, if you don't have direct deposit set up, by check mailed out within 10 days to your student refund address.
You may use the funds to cover any portion of your educational costs and emergency costs that arise due to the coronavirus including things like:
- Tuition, fees, books and school supplies
- Housing, utilities and food
- Healthcare expenses, including mental health
- Childcare costs
- Transportation expenses
The grant will disburse directly to you even if you have outstanding charges on your SDSU account. If you choose to use your grant funds to cover charges that you owe to SDSU, you will need to make a payment to your account by visiting the Cashier’s Office or through SDePay.
If you do not start your fall 2021 courses, you may be required to repay the grant.
If you have additional questions about the grant or your financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office at SDSU Financial Aid or 605-688-4695.
We are here to help, so don’t hesitate to let us know if you need assistance!
SDSU Financial Aid Team
- Quarter Ending March 31, 2022 (PDF) – Posted April 7, 2022
- Quarter Ending Dec. 31, 2021 (PDF) – Posted Jan. 10, 2022
- Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 2021 (PDF) – Posted Oct. 8, 2021
- Quarter Ending Sept. 30, 2020 (PDF) – Posted Oct. 30, 2020
- Quarter Ending Dec. 31, 2020 (PDF) – Posted Jan. 7, 2021
- Quarter Ending March 31, 2021 (PDF) – Posted April 9, 2021
- Quarter Ending March 31, 2021 – Updated (PDF) – Posted July 2021
- Quarter Ending June 30, 2021 (PDF) – Posted July 2021
