CARES Act Grants
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is partnering with the U.S. Department of Education to distribute Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding to students in financial need due to unexpected expenses related to the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, or Fall 2020 disruption of campus operations by the coronavirus. For more information about Higher Education Emergency Relief Grants and the CARES Act visit ed.gov
Spring 2023
Spring 2023 Cares Disbursement
Campus Status/COVID Impact:
All three of EICC’s colleges had COVID impact. During AY2020, AY2021,and AY2022, the colleges created limited on-campus classes with a schedule heavy on live online and online classes. At times, our services operated under limited hours or via remote appointments only. Our students had additional costs due to online course fees, needs for technology. Our health program students had additional impacts due to clinical course work being impacted with limited access. Many also reported lost wages and other negative impacts on their income.
In accordance with the HEERF/Cares guidance, EICC prioritized students with financial need by;
Only Pell Eligible students will receive an award in the Spring 2023 award cycle.
Student Criteria:
Enrolled Spring 2023 in a credit health program. The following Health Programs were included:
- Associate Degree Nursing, AAS
- Cancer Information Management, AAS
- Cancer Information Management, Certificate
- Cancer Information Management, Diploma
- Dental Assisting, Diploma
- Expanded Functions, Certificate
- Emergency Medical Services, AAS
- Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate
- Paramedic, Diploma
- Emergency Medical Technician, Certificate
- Emergency Medical Services, AAS
- Health Information Management, AAS
- Cancer Information Management, AAS
- Cancer Information Management, Certificate
- Cancer Information Management, Diploma
- Health Information Management, AAS
- Medical Assistant, Diploma
- Practical Nursing, Diploma
- Radiologic Technology, AAS
- Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, AAS
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography, AAS
- Surgical Technology, AAS
Hours Based on Enrollment Status as of February 27.
Excluded High School and Guest Students as they are not financial aid eligible at EICC.
EICC Formula- Spring 2023
Students will be awarded following Spring 2023 formula.
Enrollment in select credit health programs.
Demonstrated Financial Need (based on Pell Awarded)
+ Enrollment Level (cost of attendance)
____________________________
Total Award
Enrollment in selected credit health programs.
Documented Demonstrated Need (based on financial aid status):
| ELevel | Financial Aid Eligibility | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|
| Pell Awarded | Pell Awarded | $175 |
Student Enrollment Status – Cost of attendance (tuition, books, childcare, technology)
| Level | FA22 Enrolled Hours | Grant Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Full Time | 12+ | $132 |
| Level 2 - Less than Full Time | Less than 12 | $65 |
Award amounts will range from $240 to 307
Student Disbursements will occur during the week of February 27.
EICC Disbursements:
- EICC will use BankMobile student preferences for disbursements of the Cares Awards. Students with a direct deposit preference will receive their grant via direct deposit. Students with a check preference will have checks available for pick up starting March 7 at the college business office.
In compliance with CARES regulations, students were not required to apply their award to any outstanding balance, but were provided an opportunity to do so.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges will be awarding CARES/ARP/HEERF III grants in one disbursements for Spring 2022.
Spring 2022 disbursements will occur the week of March 21.
ARP – HEERF/CARES Emergency Grant – Federal Requirements
- EICC must prioritize students with exceptional need. EICC’s disbursement formula provides levels that prioritizes students with Pell eligibility.
- Students do not have to be Title IV eligible to receive funds.
EICC Requirements:
- Spring Students
- Students must be enrolled in Spring Semester 2022 credit courses.
- Exclusions: current High School Students, Guest Students and Non-Degree Seeking Students.
- Students data will be pulled on March 17 for this disbursements. Enrollment level will be determined based on the current credit hours excluding any withdrawn hours.
EICC Formula - Spring 2022
Students will be awarded once in the Spring Semester- each award will follow the following formula.
Demonstrated Financial Need (based on EFC 9 Month) + Enrollment Level (cost of attendance) = Total Award
Documented Demonstrated Need (based on financial aid status):
| Level | EFC Range | Financial Aid Eligibility | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Highest Need | 0 - 5,846 | Pell Elligible | $550 |
| Level 2 - Some Need | 5,847 - 19,999 | Subsidized Aid (Loans) | $375 |
| Level 3 - Minimal Need | 20,000+ | Unsubsidized Aid (UnSub Loans) or No FAFSA | $225 |
Student Enrollment Status – Cost of attendance (tuition, books, childcare, technology)
| Level | SP22 Enrolled Hours | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Full Time | 12+ | $300 |
| Level 2 - 3/4 Time | 9 - 11 | $225 |
| Level 3 - Part Time | 6 - 9 | $150 |
| Level 4 - Less than 1/2 Time | Under 6 | $75 |
Award amounts will range from $300 to $850.
Awarding:
- EICC Student Record Data will be utilized to determine eligibility.
Student Disbursements:
- Notifications to Balance Due Students – Week of March 17
- Awards Posted – Week of March 21
Balance Due Students:
- EICC will notify students with a balance due on their student account and provide an opportunity for them to apply their ARP/HEERF award to their student balance. Their eligible amount will be established prior to the notification. A student election regarding applying to the balance will not influence the award amount.
- All student awards will be posted on the same date.
EICC Disbursements:
- EICC will use BankMobile for disbursements of the Cares Awards.
Eastern Iowa Community Colleges will be awarding CARES/ARP/HEERF III grants in two disbursements for Fall 2021.
- Round 1- Fall 2021 disbursements occurred the week of September 27.
- Round 2 – Fall 2021 disbursements occurred the week of November 8.
ARP – HEERF/CARES Emergency Grant – Federal Requirements
- EICC must prioritize students with exceptional need. EICC’s disbursement formula provides levels that prioritizes students with Pell eligibility.
- Students do not have to be Title IV eligible to receive funds.
EICC Requirements:
- Fall Students
- Students must be enrolled in Fall Semester 2021.
- Exclusions: current High School Students, Guest Students and Non-Degree Seeking Students.
- Students data will be pulled on September 20 for award 1 and October 22 for award 2. Enrollment level will be determined based on the current credit hours excluding any withdrawn hours.
EICC Formula - Fall 2021
Students will be awarded once in the Fall Semester- each award will follow the following formula.
Demonstrated Financial Need (based on EFC 9 Month) + Enrollment Level (cost of attendance) = Total Award
Documented Demonstrated Need (based on financial aid status):
| Level | EFC Range | Financial Aid Eligibility | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Highest Need | 0 - 5,846 | Pell Elligible | $175 |
| Level 2 - Some Need | 5,847 - 19,999 | Subsidized Aid (Loans) | $100 |
| Level 3 - Minimal Need | 20,000+ | Unsubsidized Aid (UnSub Loans) or No FAFSA | $50 |
Student Enrollment Status – Cost of attendance (tuition, books, childcare, technology)
| Level | FA21 Enrolled Hours | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Full Time | 12+ | $100 |
| Level 2 - 3/4 Time | 9 - 11 | $75 |
| Level 3 - Part Time | 6 - 9 | $50 |
| Level 4 - Less than 1/2 Time | Under 6 | $25 |
Award amounts will range from $275 to $75.
Awarding:
- EICC Student Record Data will be utilized to determine eligibility.
Student Disbursements will occur in two rounds
First Round
Awards Posted – Week of September 27
Balance Due Students:
- EICC will notify students with a balance due on their student account and provide an opportunity for them to apply their ARP/HEERF award to their student balance. Their eligible amount will be established prior to the notification. A student election regarding applying to the balance will not influence the award amount.
- All student awards will be posted on the same date.
EICC Disbursements:
- EICC will use BankMobile for disbursements of the Cares Awards.
Cares Disbursement – July 2021
Campus Status/COVID Impact:
All three of EICC’s colleges had COVID impact. The colleges created limited on-campus classes with a schedule heavy on live online and online classes. At times, our services operated under limited hours or via remote appointments only. Our students had additional costs due to online course fees, needs for technology. Many also reported lost wages and other negative impacts on their income.
In accordance with the HEERF II, III/Cares guidance, EICC prioritized students with need;
- Pell Eligible students received higher award amounts based on their demonstrated financial need.
Student Criteria:
- Enrolled Summer 2021.
- Hours Based on Enrollment Status as of June 28.
- Excluded High School, Guest Students and Non-Degree Seeking Students as they are not financial aid eligible at EICC.
Spring Awards Formula –EICC Formula- Summer 2021
Students will be awarded once in the Summer Semester- each award will follow the following formula.
Demonstrated Financial Need (based on EFC 9 Month) + Enrollment Level (cost of attendance) = Total Award
Documented Demonstrated Need (based on financial aid status):
| Level | EFC Range | Financial Aid Eligibility | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 - Highest Need | 0 - 5711 | Pell Elligible | $175 |
| Level 2 - Some Need | 5711 - 19,999 | Subsidized Aid (Loans) | $100 |
| Level 3 - Minimal Need | 20,000+ | Unsubsidized Aid (UnSub Loans) or No FAFSA | $75 |
Student Enrollment Status – Cost of attendance (tuition, books, childcare, technology)
| Level | SU21 Enrolled Hours | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 8+ Hours | $75 |
| Level 2 | 7 or less hours | $25 |
Awarding:
- EICC Student Record Data will be utilized to determine eligibility.
Student Disbursements will occur in one round
- Awards Posted – July
- Notifications to Balance Due Students – Week of June 28
- Awards Posted – Week of July 7
Balance Due Students:
- EICC will notify students with a balance due on their student account and provide an opportunity for them to apply their ARP/HEERF award to their student balance. Their eligible amount will be established prior to the notification. A student election regarding applying to the balance will not influence the award amount.
- All student awards will be posted on the same date.
Cares Disbursement – March and April 2021
Campus Status/COVID Impact:
All three of EICC’s colleges had COVID impact. The colleges created limited on-campus classes with a schedule heavy on live online and online classes. At times, our services operated under limited hours or via remote appointments only. Our students had additional costs due to online course fees, needs for technology. Many also reported lost wages and other negative impacts on their income.
In accordance with the HEERF/Cares guidance, EICC prioritized students with need in two ways;
- Students with Pell Eligibility (EFC 5711 or lower) were awarded first to ensure they received the most funds possible.
- Pell Eligible students received higher award amounts based on their demonstrated financial need.
Student Criteria:
- Enrolled Spring 2021.
- Hours Based on Enrollment Status as of April 1.
- Excluded High School, Guest Students and Non-Degree Seeking Students as they are not financial aid eligible at EICC.
Awarding:
- EICC Student Record Data will be utilized to determine eligibility.
Student Disbursements will occur in two rounds
Balance Due Students:
- EICC will notify students with a balance due on their student account and provide an opportunity for them to apply their ARP/HEERF award to their student balance. Their eligible amount will be established prior to the notification. A student election regarding applying to the balance will not influence the award amount.
- All student awards will be posted on the same date.
EICC Disbursements:
- EICC will use BankMobile for disbursements of the Cares Awards.
Spring 1st Awards Formula – Pell Eligible Students
| Credit Hours | Enrollment Status | Need - FA/Pell/EFC below 5711 | Per Student Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time 12 + Hours | 300 | 350 | $650 |
| 3/4 Time 9 to Less than 12 | 200 | 350 | $550 |
| 1/2 Time 6 to less than 9 | 100 | 350 | $450 |
| Less than 1/2 less than 6 hours | 50 | 350 | $400 |
2nd Awards Formula – Non-Pell Students
| Credit Hours | Enrollment Status | Need FA/Loan or Other Aid/EFC between 5712-19522 | Per Student Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time 12+ Hours | 300 | 150 | $450 |
| 3/4 Time 9 to Less than 12 | 200 | 150 | $350 |
| 1/2 Time 6 to less than 9 | 100 | 150 | $250 |
| Less than 1/2 less than 6 hours | 50 | 150 | $200 |
| Credit Hours | Enrollment Status | Need EFC above 19522 or no FAFSA | Per Student Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Time 12+ Hours | 300 | 0 | $300 |
| 3/4 Time 9 to Less than 12 | 200 | 0 | $200 |
| 1/2 Time 6 to less than 9 | 100 | 0 | $100 |
| Less than 1/2 less than 6 hours | 50 | 0 | $50 |
For the Fall of 2020, EICC will be awarding two groups of students CARES ACT Grants.
Group 1: EICC on-campus students experiencing expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 will receive a Federal CARES Act Emergency Grant. Students must have been attending classes on-campus, have a FAFSA on file and meet financial aid standards. Students will be awarded grants based on their enrollment status. Guest students, non-degree seeking students, exclusively online or LIVE online students and high school concurrent students are not eligible. Students must meet federal financial aid standards for Fall 2020.
Group 2: EICC Allied Health and Nursing program students with on-going incompletes from Spring 2020 course work and additional COVID-19 disruptions will receive a CARES Act Grant. Students must have a FAFSA on file and meet financial aid standards to be eligible. Guest students, non-degree seeking students, exclusively online or LIVE online students and high school concurrent students are not eligible. Students must meet federal financial aid standards for Fall 2020.
Students are eligible to receive either Group 1 or Group 2 CARES Act Grant Awards, but not both. Students eligible for a Fall 2020 CARES ACT Grant will receive notification and disbursement beginning December 9. The college will disburse funds using BankMobile Refund.
- Students with an electronic/direct deposit refund preference set up with BankMobile will receivetheir grant money within 2-3 business days after the notification of approval.
- Students with a paper check option will receive their refund in 7- 30 days.
CARES Act Emergency Grant funds can be used for assistance in paying any or all of the following eligible expenses.
- Food
- Housing/Utilities
- Computer/Technology
- Unexpected healthcare expenses
- Childcare
- Transportation
EICC students experiencing expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19 are encouraged to apply for the Federal CARES Act Emergency Grant. Priority consideration is given to Spring 2020 students and Summer 2020 students enrolled in on-campus courses that were impacted by the college’s COVID-19 response (Spring courses with end dates after March 13 or Summer courses with a start date no later than June 1 that were originally slated as on-campus courses). Guest students, non-degree seeking students, exclusively online students and high school concurrent students are not eligible. Students enrolled exclusively in online courses for Spring or Summer are not eligible.
Students applying for the CARES Act Emergency Grant must be experiencing an increased financial need or hardship due to the disruption of college operations related to COVID-19 pandemic. CARES Act Emergency Grant funds can be used for assistance in paying any or all of the following eligible expenses.
- Food
- Housing/Utilities
- Computer/Technology
- Unexpected healthcare expenses
- Childcare
- Transportation
Steps to Apply:
- Complete the CARES Act Emergency Grant Student Application; final deadline is June 30. The CARES Emergency Grant Application is now closed for Spring 2020 and Summer 2020.
- All applications will be reviewed for eligibility. The review could take up to 2 weeks.
- Once an application is approved, the student will receive a notification of the grant amount and the disbursement date.
- Students with an electronic/direct deposit refund preference set up with BankMobile will receive their grant money within 2-3 business days after the notification of approval.
- Students with a paper check option will receive their refund in 7- 30 days.
Please note: Students that are not approved for CARES Act Emergency Grants will also be notified within 2 weeks of the application date.
Funds are limited. Students are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible. The following factors may be used when reviewing applications for funding:
- Submission date of the application
- Financial need based on the
- Cost related to enrollment status
Frequently Asked Questions
The recently enacted federal provided money to colleges and universities for emergency student grants. The purpose of the money is to award emergency financial aid grants to students for specific expenses that are a direct result of the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus.
- Students experiencing additional expenses or financial hardships related to disruptions
to campus operations related to the college’s pandemic responses.
- Students must have been enrolled in on-campus/face-to-face courses for Spring 2020 with end dates after March 13.
- Students exclusively in online enrollment are not eligible.
- Students enrolled in Summer 2020 for courses with start dates of June 1 that were intended to be offered on-campus may also qualify.
- Per Federal guidance, concurrent high school students, guest students or non-degree seeking students are not eligible.
- Students must be able to receive Federal Financial Aid. Students who have not completed a FAFSA for either 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 will need to complete one in order to demonstrate eligibility for the CARES Act Emergency Grants.
Funds are limited. Students are encouraged to submit the application as soon as possible. For EICC, CARES Act Emergency Grants will range from $500 - $1,050 per student. The following factors may be used when reviewing applications for funding and determining the grant amount.
- Submission date of the application
- Financial need based on the FAFSA
- Cost related to enrollment status
Students are only eligible to receive one CARES Act Emergency Grant.
The final deadline is June 30, 2020. All completed applications will be regularly reviewed in a timely manner and students will receive email communications on their status.
No, the CARES Act Emergency Grant is a grant. Students do not have to pay back the grant.
- After submission of the application, the college will review and process approvals within 2 weeks. Once a student receives an approval notification, the grant will be disbursed based on the student’s refund preferences set up with BankMobile. Find more information regarding setting up your BankMobile Refund Preferences here.
- For students with an electronic/direct deposit refund preference set up with Bank Mobile, approved grants will be disbursed within 2-3 days of the notification.
- For students with no preference or a paper check preference set up with BankMobile, approved grants will be disbursed and mailed within 7-30 days.
- Students who are not approved for a CARES Act Emergency Grant will also receive notification regarding their application status.
No, the CARES Act Emergency Grant does not have be counted as income on the FAFSA
application. The grant will not reduce other financial aid you may qualify for.
For other questions, please contact:
Clinton Community College
Justin Sampson, Business Office, Assistant to the President for Administration
Scott Community College
Michael Beane, Dean of Students
Muscatine Community College
Robin Mitchell, Registrar
Students with Additional Needs
Students with additional financial needs not covered by the CARES Act Emergency Grant should consult the following resources:
EICC Reports on CARES
- EICC Report on CARES III - Quarterly Report, 4/2022
- EICC Report on CARES III - Quarterly Report, 1/2022
- EICC Report on CARES III - Quarterly Report, 10/2021
- EICC Report on CARES II - FINAL
- EICC Report on CARES - Quarterly Report 7/2021
- EICC Report on CARES I - FINAL
- EICC Report on CARES - Quarterly Report 3/2021
- EICC Report on CARES - 12/30/2020
- EICC Report on CARES - 10/1/2020
- EICC Report on CARES - 7/16/2020
- EICC Report on CARES - 6/25/2020
- EICC Report on CARES - 5/29/2020