Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II
WGU Statement & HEERF Reporting
WGU is pleased to have received $22,136,335 through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II, which was authorized through passage of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act in December 2020. This federal funding will be distributed as student emergency aid grants. Eligible students who may be experiencing financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, will receive grants to ease their cost of attendance financial burdens related tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health needs), and childcare. We are grateful that WGU students were included in this round of HEERF funding.
Who Is Eligible?
Students must meet the basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid, as outlined under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, to be considered. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will determine eligibility and need.
The Department of Education has stipulated that emergency grants be used to help those students who are most at need. WGU will be able to award 11,886 students with emergency aid grants valued at $1,000 to $2,400. Students who are eligible for HEERF II distributions will be contacted automatically and do not need to apply.
Refer to the Student Handbook for more information.
How Will Grants be Communicated and Disbursed to Students?
Eligible WGU students were contacted via email on April 26, 2021, about their emergency aid grant eligibility with instructions to create an account with Edquity, our partner to disburse emergency aid. Students will need to accept the grant via Edquity for funds to be disbursed via direct deposit, or to be mailed a prepaid debit card.
How Can Students Spend HEERF Grants?
Students may spend their grants for any expense related to their cost of attendance such as: tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health), and childcare. Students do not need to report to the federal government how they spend their HEERF II grant and do not need to report the funds as income on their federal tax return.
What Aid Is Available for Students Who Were Not Eligible for HEERF II and Experienced Financial Hardship Due to the Pandemic?
WGU recognizes that with more than 130,000 Night Owls, many more students may be experiencing financial hardships than are reflected in the information provided by their FAFSA filings.
WGU endeavors to help as many students as possible. For those who were not eligible for HEERF II emergency grants, WGU has several options to help if you’re experiencing hardship. Visit Student Financial Resources for scholarships, grants, and other support.
HEERF Quarterly Reporting
Western Governors University has signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement form. Pursuant to the requirements under the CRRSAA and ARP, 100% of funds will be used for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Reporting Quarter: June 2021
Total Grant Received by WGU:
$22,136,335
WGU Disbursement to Date:
$18,519,400
Students Who Received an Emergency Grant:
11,970
Estimated Eligible Students:
22,590*
*Grant eligibility methodology: Undergraduate students identified through FAFSA filing who had an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of 0 and levels of awards based on federal poverty levels. $2400 to students <50%, $1700 to students 50–75%, $1000 to students 76–100%, and $750 to students >100%.