ARP Act (HEERF III) Information and FAQs
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, the third federal COVID relief package, became law in 2021 and includes aid that will be distributed directly to students by Robert Morris University through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III). The university has created an initial distribution plan to provide assistance to students from these ARP Act funds, beginning in July 2021. Students will be contacted directly regarding their eligibility and distribution amount.
What is the ARP Act, and how will it help students at RMU?
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act is the third round of federal COVID relief package passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from the Covid-19 pandemic. The ARP Act provided the third installment of funding to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III), which provides money for colleges and universities -- including RMU -- which may be used for any component of a student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.
Will I qualify for funding under the federal ARP Act?
All returning RMU students who have completed the registration process for the Fall 2021 semester -- including undergraduate, graduate, international and part-time -- are eligible to receive funding. Notifications will be sent shortly to each student who qualifies with the amount they were allocated. Money awarded to returning students will be paid directly to the student within 14 days of the funds posting to their student account. Incoming students will receive their award in mid September 2021, after their registration process is complete and they become eligible for participation for HEERF III funds. Additional communication will be forthcoming to incoming students.
Do I have to complete the FAFSA in order to receive initial distribution of CRRSA Act funding?
No, RMU will not require that every student complete the FAFSA in order to receive an initial award; however, a completed FAFSA will factor into the determination of the initial distribution received. Additional funding will be made available for exceptional needs and will be evaluated on a student-by-student basis.
How much money will I receive?
The university will award initial ARP Act/HEERF III funding for the Fall 2021 semester based on each student’s expected family contribution (EFC), which is the same formula used to determine all financial aid awards. The federal government has provided RMU a finite pool of money to distribute. The award amount will vary by enrollment status and EFC level. Part-time and graduate students can also expect an award, and even many students who do not normally qualify for financial aid will receive an ARP Act award. Below is a breakdown of the awards for full time and part time enrolled students:
- Awards for undergraduate full-time enrolled students:
- EFC $0 - 6,000: $1,500 per student
- All other full-time: $1,000 per student
- Awards for graduate students and undergraduates enrolling less than full time:
- Graduate/Doctorate: $500 per student
- Undergraduate part-time: $500 per student