NAICU Washington Update

Education Department Releases $20.5 Billion in COVID Relief Funds

January 15, 2021

Two weeks after the bill was signed into law, the Department of Education issued the student and institutional allocations from the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), along with guidance on how to access and use the funds. The allocations show the portions required for use as student grants and the portions available for institutional relief, while the Frequently Asked Questions provide detailed background and guidance. 

NAICU worked closely with the Department to ensure questions about the law’s implementation were addressed in their guidance, and to ensure funds could be available for use during the spring semester. The Department met its goal of making the funds available before the transition to the incoming Biden Administration, which would have slowed the availability of funding. 

After reviewing the guidance, NAICU prepared responses to the most common questions we have received from members to get your institution started on the planning process.

College and university leaders have been anxious for additional emergency COVID relief funds since it became evident in early summer that the pandemic would continue impact higher education. This round of funding from CRRSAA will be very helpful to keeping campuses safe and students on track for their postsecondary education. NAICU will continue to work with Congress on additional COVID emergency relief in 2021. 
 
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