The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplement Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSSA9 under Section 314 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, allocates $22.7 billion to Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) Fund.  Because this is the second emergency aid given to the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, it’s called HEERF II. Kalamazoo College received a total of $1,790,694 in emergency aid of which at least $589,227 must go directly to students as emergency grants.

HEERF II (CRRSSA) was available to Kalamazoo College on February 1, 2021. 

The Financial Aid Office used the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) data to determine eligibility.  We have received a FAFSA for a little more than 1,000 Kalamazoo College students.

Unfortunately, undocumented, DACA, and international students are not eligible for HEERF II funds.

The Financial Aid Office is required to prioritize students with exceptional financial need.  Using FAFSA information, emergency grant amounts were paid with the largest amounts going to students with the lowest ability to pay. 

On Hornet HQ in the Financial Aid portal, payments will show as “Federal COVID Stimulus” in Winter Term.  The Business Office processed payments.  Paper checks were mailed to the permanent address on file unless direct deposit has already been arranged.  Processing will take 7-10 business days.

Under the CRRSSA, these grants are for any of the student’s cost of attending school or emergency costs that arise due to Coronavirus.

In general, students who received a grant met the criteria of greatest financial need and filed a FAFSA. We know that many families’ income is in flux. If you are concerned about your financial situation, please reach out to the Financial Aid Office so that we may help.

No.  We thought it was most important to meet the immediate needs of students and awarded $598,100 as Winter Term emergency aid.  Approximately 725 students received grants.