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Apply for ARP Act Aid

Apply for ARP Act Aid

  • La Roche University is slated to receive approximately $3.4 million as part of the $39.6 billion in support of postsecondary institutions and their students under the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) as announced by the U.S. Department of Education.

    Of that $3.4 million, $1.7 million will be earmarked for emergency financial aid grants for La Roche students.

  • Frequently Asked Questions 

    Information is provided below explaining eligibility requirements. Please email LRUcares@laroche.edu with any questions related to eligibility, the application process or other matters related to the distribution of emergency financial aid grants under the ARP.

  • Who is eligible to receive emergency financial aid grants from the ARP Act/ Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III)?
    Unlike CARES and CRRSAA, any enrolled student may receive emergency financial aid grants from the ARP. While all La Roche students are eligible to apply for grants, the Department of Education has directed institutions to prioritize grants to domestic, undergraduate students with exceptional need. Additional priority will be given to students with exceptional need who have not previously received an ARP emergency financial aid grant.
  • How do I apply for an emergency financial aid grant from the HEERF III?

    Apply online. Students must complete and submit the online application for consideration of their grant request. Upon receipt of the application, a committee appointed by the president will determine the grant award amount in compliance with the ARP Act/HEERF III guidelines and available funds.

    We strongly encourage students to apply as soon as possible, and the distribution of grants will begin immediately. Since the amount of money that La Roche has been given to distribute in the form of emergency aid is limited, we anticipate the number of requests will exceed the amount of money we have to award. In order to serve as many students as possible, grants will range from $500 to $5,500.

    Unlike the CARES Act, the ARP Act requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants, in awarding financial aid grants. However, students do not need to be only Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants.

    The committee prioritize the following criteria for each applicant when awarding grants:

    • Domestic, undergraduate students with exceptional need
    • Students with a significant need related to COVID-19 disruptions including cost of attendance or other emergency costs
    • Pell-eligible students with no Expected Family Contribution
    • Students with exceptional need who have not previously received an ARP emergency financial aid grant 
  • What can be covered by an emergency financial aid grant from the HEERF III?
    The ARP Act emergency grants differ from the CARES Act in several ways. ARP Act grants may be used for any component of your cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.
  • How long after applying until I know if I will receive an emergency financial aid grant from the HEERF III? When will I receive the money?

    You will receive an email from LRUcares@laroche.edu within five business days regarding the status of your grant application. ARP awards will be sent in the form of a check to the address on file in our student information system, unless you currently live on campus.

    If you owe a balance to the University, you can request that La Roche apply any grant awarded directly to your student account. Please be aware that ARP emergency grants cannot be applied to your student account without your authorization. Your eligibility for any ARP emergency grant is not affected by your student account balance status or your decision about how to receive your award (direct check payment or electronic transfer to your student account).

    Those who receive grants and request a direct payment can expect to receive a check issued by La Roche University ordinarily within two weeks of being notified that their application has been accepted.

  • Can emergency financial aid grants from the HEERF III be directly applied to my outstanding tuition balance?
    If you owe a balance to the University, you can request that La Roche apply any grant awarded directly to your student account. Please be aware that ARP emergency grants cannot be applied to your student account without your authorization. Your eligibility for any ARP emergency grant is not affected by your student account balance status or your decision about how to receive your award (direct check payment or electronic transfer to your student account).
  • Will an emergency financial aid grant from the ARP/HEERF III impact my financial aid award from La Roche?
    No, this award is a one-time grant provided directly to students and is not considered part of your financial aid package from La Roche.
  • Is an emergency student aid grant from the ARP/HEERF III taxable?
    No. Emergency financial aid grants made by a federal agency, State, Indian tribe, higher education institution or scholarship-granting organization (including a tribal organization) to a student because of an event related to the COVID-19 national emergency are not included in the student’s gross income.

    For more information, please see the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) bulletin Emergency aid granted to students to COVID is not taxable (March 30, 2021).

    La Roche University does not give legal or tax advice; therefore, you should consult a lawyer or tax advisor should you have any questions.

  • My family's total income significantly decreased. How can I request an adjustment to my financial aid package?
    If you experienced or are currently experiencing a decrease in your income, and have already filed your 2021-22 FAFSA which collects your family’s 2019 income, please consider completing either a Parent’s Special Consideration form or a Student’s Special Consideration form. Both forms are available online or in the Financial Aid Office.

    On the forms you need to state what happened, the date it happened, and either attach a copy of a complete 2020 tax return or estimate the 2021 income.

    Sign the form and return to the Financial Aid Office. We will recalculate your financial aid application and notify you when it is completed, usually within two weeks.
  • Who should I contact if I have questions about eligibility and/or the application process?
    Please email LRUcares@laroche.edu with any questions related to eligibility, the application process or other matters related to the distribution of emergency financial aid grants from the HEERF III.