March 30, 2021
Kansas State University releases second round of federal financial aid to students
Kansas State University has received additional federal funding to be distributed to targeted student populations enrolled for the current spring 2021 term. In total, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will distribute $6,343,277 in Higher Education Emergency Relief II, or HEERF II, grants made available late last year under the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act.
The HEERF II is designed to provide financial relief and assist students experiencing hardships to cover routine cost of attendance components such as tuition/fees, room/board, book/supplies, transportation and miscellaneous expenses, and it assists students with emergency costs that have directly arisen due to the coronavirus. Federal guidelines require colleges/universities to prioritize students with exceptional need. To meet this requirement, the Office of Student Financial Assistance will determine a student's level of financial need on the federally calculated expected family contribution as part of a student's 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Aid, or FAFSA.
More than 7,000 students are being awarded automatic emergency grants of varying amounts totaling more than $5.8 million. Eligible students will be automatically notified by email, and no application will be required for a HEERF II Block Grant. This automatic grant is intended to expedite assistance to those most in need.
In addition to the students receiving automatic grants, some of these funds will be reserved for any enrolled K-State undergraduate or graduate student experiencing emergency financial hardship that renders them unable to meet immediate, essential expenses. Students may submit the HEERF II Grant application using the online form.
All students are encouraged to set up eRefund (direct deposit) if they have not already done so for fastest receipt of funds. Private funds will be used for students with emergency needs who may not meet the federal criteria for federal funding. As always, students, faculty or staff are invited to alert the Office of Student Financial Assistance of a financial hardship by completing and submitting the online Emergency Referral Application if they do not qualify for the federal aid.
If you have any questions about eligibility, awarding processes or timeline, you are encouraged to check out the HEERF II resource page on the Office of Student Financial Assistance website.