Tuskegee University has received approximately $1.83 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to support the emergency needs of enrolled students resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and disruption of academic programs university operations. These funds will be distributed to students upon completion of the Tuskegee Emergency Fund Application available online. The University has established a Student Emergency Fund Committee to review all applications and determine the allocation amounts to students.
Emergency funds can be allocated to cover the following: technology, travel, utilities, vehicle expenses, child-care, course materials, gas, groceries, medical, and rent. After receiving the funds, the Student Emergency Fund Committee received more than 1,300 applications and funded more than 850 students. This process continued over the next twelve months or until all funds were exhausted.
Who is eligible?
All current degree-seeking students (graduate, undergraduate, VETMED) enrolled in Spring 2020, Summer 2020 and Fall 2020 affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are Title IV eligible (a completed 2019-20 FAFSA on file or eligible to file a FAFSA) are eligible for CARES Act funds. Students who do not meet the CARES Act requirements may be eligible to receive other institutional funds. Please contact kholland@tuskegee.edu.
How much funding is available?
Tuskegee University was awarded a fixed amount of funds to be allocated to students over one-year; and amounts to students will vary, ranging from $400 to $1,000, depending on each student’s request and economic circumstances.
What types of expenses are covered by the CARES Act emergency funding?
CARES Act funding provides financial assistance with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 (e.g., food, housing, course materials, transportation, technology, or health care).
How do I apply for CARES Act funding?
Students should complete the COVID-19 Emergency Fund Request Form. Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Please review the eligibility information below to determine your eligibility to receive CARES Act funds.
Do I need to complete a FAFSA to receive CARES Act funds?
No, all students must be Title IV eligible to receive CARES act funds. However, having a FAFSA on file is evidence of Title IV eligibility. Students without a FAFSA will be required to demonstrate their Title IV eligibility through alternate means and should contact ajames@tuskegee.edu.
How do I know if I am eligible to file a FAFSA?
The eligibility criteria to file a FAFSA, as outlined in Section 484 of the Higher Education Act (HEA), include but are not limited to the following:
Can undocumented students and international students receive funds under the CARES Act?
No, international and undocumented students are not eligible to receive CARES Act funds. However, they may be eligible to receive emergency funds from other institutional sources. Please contact kholland@tuskegee.edu.
I am enrolled in an online program; do I qualify for CARES Act funds?
You are not eligible for CARES Act funds if you were enrolled exclusively in an online program on March 13, 2020. However, if you were enrolled in a combination of online and in-person classes, you are eligible.
Do I need to be meeting satisfactory academic standards to receive Cares Act funds?
Yes, to be eligible for CARES Act funding, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards in accordance with Tuskegee’s financial aid rules and regulations. Contact ajames@tuskegee.edu for further clarification.
I have an outstanding tuition/housing balance for the current semester; would these funds be applied to that balance?
No, the funds will be sent directly to you.
How long before I receive funds?
Requests will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
How will I be notified that my request has been approved?
You will receive notification from the Division of Student Affairs and your check will be sent to the address on your Emergency Funds Application.
Can these funds affect other aid that I have already received?
No, CARES Act funds will not reduce your financial aid award.