Ending September 30, 2020

The U.S. Department of Education requires the following information related to “CARES Act Emergency Aid to Students” to be posted on our university website. This report will be updated quarterly.

Acknowledgement:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell will provide emergency grant assistance to students under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. General information about the CARES Act funding for higher education is available online.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell signed and returned the Funding Certification and Agreement to the U.S. Department of Education on April 16, 2020. Within this agreement, University of Massachusetts Lowell has agreed to spend no less than 50 percent of the total funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act on direct emergency grant aid to students.

In addition, the University of Massachusetts Lowell received subsequent funding through the CARES Act based on our designation of a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) for our population of students who identify as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander.

  • $4,486,340 - Total Available Student Emergency Aid
  • $4,450,161 - CARES Act Allocation
  • $36,179 - MSI Allocation
  • 11,944 - Estimated Number of Eligible Students
  • 3,248 - Total Students Awarded as of Sept. 30, 2020
  • $3,544,263 - Funds Distributed as of Sept., 30, 2020

Methods:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell opened an online application process for students to apply for CARES Act Emergency Student Aid in May 2020. Students will be required to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at the university to verify their Title IV eligibility status. The university will provide additional application periods as campus disruption and available funding continues.

Applications will be reviewed at the close of the each application period.The number of applications, reported expenses, and known economic need will determine the amount of funds each student receives. Awards will be posted and distributed directly to students via direct deposit or paper check.

The CARES Act funding received under our MSI designation will follow the same application and review process, but will be provided to students who identity as Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander.

Instructions / Directions / Guidance Provided to Students:

Students were notified about the CARES Act Student Emergency Aid online application through a campus-wide email, social media posts, and a link on our website. The university also provided students with Frequently Asked Questions on the application website.

The online application requires students to report the expenses they incurred as a result of the university’s shift to remote operations and course instruction. Students are also be required to have a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file at the university to verify their Title IV eligibility.

UMass Lowell will update this page on, or before, Jan. 10, 2021.

Read the HEERF I - CARES Student Portion Reporting Requirements - December 31, 2020.