February 2, 2021
In December 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law and includes Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF II). The U.S. Department of Education (ED) recently issued guidance for the distribution of those funds to students, which expanded eligibility compared to the March 2020 CARES Act. However, it remains unclear if all students, including undocumented and international students are eligible for HEERF II student financial aid grants.
As HEERF II funds become available, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges along with 53 other organizations signed on to a letter written by the American Council on Education advocating for new guidance permitting the use of those funds for all students.
