UMass Lowell received $4,450,161 in federal emergency grant aid for undergraduate and graduate students from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund established by the recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The purpose of these funds is to provide emergency financial aid grants to students. Expenses must be directly related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic. UMass Lowell's goal is to assist students with the greatest need, in accordance with federal guidelines. As of December 31, 2020, all funds under the CARES Act Student Emergency Grant have been distributed.

View federal reporting information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to apply for the CARES Act Emergency funds?

Eligible students must:

  • Meet Title IV federal financial aid eligibility requirements and have a current FAFSA on file with the university; 
  • Be enrolled as a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student for Fall 2020;
  • Not have been enrolled exclusively in online coursework for Fall 2020. Note: Online coursework includes courses that meet fully online without scheduled class meetings. Online coursework does not include virtual courses that have synchronous online class meetings.

Ineligible Students:

  • Students enrolled in 100% online coursework. Note: Online coursework includes courses that meet fully online without scheduled class meetings. Online coursework does not include virtual courses that have synchronous online class meetings.
  • Students that are non-degree, international, non-eligible citizens or DACA.
What expenses qualify under the CARES Act Emergency Fund?

CARES Act Emergency funds must be used for expenses directly related to the disruption of campus operations and shift to online instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible expenses include:  food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care.

How do I apply?

The application period is closed. As of December 31, 2020, all funds under the CARES Act Student Emergency Grant have been distributed.

How much money can I expect to receive?

In accordance with federal guidelines, the university will prioritize students with greatest need, while striving to distribute funds to as many students as possible. The amount of an award will depend on each individual student’s situation and the number of students who apply. We anticipate the maximum award to be between $750-1,000. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee receipt of funds.

If I am approved, how will I receive the CARES Act Emergency Grant?

If you are awarded funding, the grant will be processed through your student account and will be directly distributed to you by direct deposit or check. If you currently have an outstanding balance with the university, the grant will not be applied towards these charges.

Please verify your bank account information is correct and that you are enrolled in direct deposit in your Student Center account. Instructions to set up direct deposit can be found here.

Will the CARES Act Emergency Grant effect my current financial aid?

No, the CARES Act Emergency Grant will not impact your financial aid award.

Do I need to pay this money back?

No. The CARES Act Emergency aid is a grant and therefore does not need to be repaid.

Is the CARES Act Grant taxable?

No. Per the Internal Revenue Service, the grant will not be included in your taxable income. Please visit the IRS’s website for more details.

Can I apply for CARES Act Emergency Grant more than once?

Yes.  However, priority will be given to first-time applicants.