Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III
EERF III Funding
- The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). This was signed into law by President Joseph Biden on March 11, 2021. Within the provisions of this legislation, the University of Sioux Falls will receive funds from the US Department of Education, to award financial grants to students.
- Grant funds are intended to ensure learning continues for students, and may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus.
HEERF III Eligibility
Fall 2021
- USF is awarding block grants to undergraduate students for the fall 2021 semester.
- USF is prioritizing students with exceptional need. Funding will be based on enrollment status as well as a student's Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 21-22 FAFSA. A FAFSA is not required to receive funds.
| Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) | Enrolled in 12 credits + | Enrolled 6-11 credits |
|---|---|---|
| 0-12,000 | $1,000 | $500 |
| 12,001-30,000 | $500 | $250 |
| 30,001 + | $250 | $125 |
| No FAFSA on file with USF | $250 | $125 |
Grant funds will be disbursed through the Business Office. Students may receive their disbursement via check or may submit an electronic authorization to have their disbursement applied to any outstanding account balance (including late fees). The Business office will mail the check if the student does not pick up the check in person.
Spring 2022
HEERF III grant funds are intended to ensure learning continues for students and may be used for any component of the student's cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. So, for the spring 2022 semester USF will provide block grants to undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of six credits as of February 11, 2022. USF prioritized students with exceptional need. Funding was based on enrollment status as well as a student's Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 21-22 FAFSA. A FAFSA is not required to receive funds.
| Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) | Enrolled in 12 credits + | Enrolled 6-11 credits |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 7,500 | $1,200 | $600 |
| 7,501 - 12,000 | $1,100 | $550 |
| 12,001 - 30,000 | $500 | $250 |
| 30,001 + | $250 | $125 |
| No FAFSA on file with USF | $250 | $125 |
Grant funds will be disbursed through the Business Office. Students may receive their disbursement via check or may submit an electronic authorization to have their disbursement applied to any outstanding account balance (including late fees). The Business Office will mail the check if the student does not pick up the check-in person.
HEERF III Resources
- Email USFCARESfund@usiouxfalls.edu with any questions you may have in regard to your eligibility for a HEERF III grant.
- Call Financial Aid at 605-331-6623 or Student Accounts at 605-331-6640.
HEERF Disclosure Reports
HEERF III Quarter 1 Fund Report: March 31, 2022
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) is authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP). This was signed into law by President Joseph Biden on March 11, 2021. Within the provisions of this legislation, the University of Sioux Falls will receive funds from the US Department of Education, to award financial grants to students.
- The University of Sioux Falls has signed the Department of Education's Certification and Agreement form and intends to use these HEERF III funds to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- USF received access to $1,626,605 for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
- USF distributed $844,224.90 in Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP between January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022.
- As of Count Day for Spring 2022 USF has an estimated 1723 students eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under ARP
- 1223 USF students have received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under ARP between January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022.
- HEERF III grant funds are intended to ensure learning continues for students, and may be used for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus. So, for the spring 2022 semester, USF will provide block grants to undergraduate students enrolled in a minimum of six credits as of February 11, 2022. Students who withdraw from USF after that date will be removed from our October disbursement. USF prioritized students with exceptional need. Funding was based on enrollment status as well as a student's Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) as determined by the 21-22 FAFSA. A FAFSA is not required to receive funds.
| Expected Financial Contribution (EFC) | Enrolled in 12 credits + | Enrolled 6 - 11 credits |
|---|---|---|
| 0-7,500 | $1,200 | $600 |
| 7,500-12,000 | $1,100 | $550 |
| 12,001-30,000 | $500 | $250 |
| 30,001 + | $250 | $125 |
| No FAFSA on file with USF | $250 | $125 |
- Grant funds will be disbursed through the Business Office. Students may receive their disbursement via check or may submit an electronic authorization to have their disbursement applied to any outstanding account balance (including late fees). The Business Office will mail the check if the student does not pick up the check in person.