Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III) - Program Details

October 7, 2021

 
Columbia is launching the next phase of disbursement to students of federal funds provided through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF) program. The University’s neediest students who are enrolled full time in schools or programs that do not already have a “meet need / no loan” or “fully funded“ financial aid policy will receive $1,500 per student. Each school will determine student eligibility for this portion of the program. In addition, all students in need may be eligible for additional school-based emergency funding through HEERF.
 
Funds made available through these one-time grants to eligible students may be used for costs that arise due to the coronavirus pandemic or other education-related expenses, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care.
 
Schools will coordinate the administration of these programs for their students, and students are encouraged to look for communications from their financial aid office in the coming days. 

 

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Who is eligible for the $1,500 grant through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)?

Domestic and international students who are full-time and determined to be among the neediest students that are in programs at Columbia that do not already have “meet need” or “fully funded” financial aid policy, School Financial Aid Offices will communicate regarding this program.

Who is eligible for school-based emergency funding?

All students are eligible and schools will conduct these programs and communicate how the emergency funds are being administered. Your financial aid office will advise these details. 

If I receive funds, what can the funds be used for?

HEERF funding can be used for costs related to the coronavirus pandemic, or any component of education expenses including tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental), and childcare or other educationally related expenses.

How will the emergency grant be made available?

If selected, students have the option to receive funds directly via direct deposit or check or reduce an existing balance on your student account.

I have a balance on my Columbia account, how will the emergency funding affect this?

Students may choose to use the funds to reduce an existing balance on their student account. To pay an existing balance, complete the certification form and check the box “Yes, please apply the emergency financial aid grant to my Columbia University student account balance.” Any remaining funds will be refunded to you via direct deposit or check.

Do I have to repay the emergency grant? 

No. The funds provided by HEERF is a grant, so it does not need to be repaid.

Is the emergency grant taxable?

HEERF funds are not considered taxable. Funds from other sources will be treated similar to a non-qualified scholarship (e.g., stipend).