Guidance on Morgan State University CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants

• What emergency relief funds are available for students who are not eligible for the CARES Act Emergency Student Financial Aid Grants?
  • Students who do not meet eligibility criteria for CARES Act grants may still seek financial assistance for emergency circumstances through the Student Emergency Fund through the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success. Students will be reviewed for grants through other aid programs, for which they may be eligible.
• How much is each grant award?
  • There are two types of CARES Act grants. 
    • CARES-Direct Student Relief grants were awarded using a sliding scale formula based on expected family contribution (EFC) and number of credits enrolled (CARES-Direct Student Relief). The maximum award was $1,500 for students with a $0 EFC who were enrolled full-time. 
    • CARES-Student Emergency Relief grants are being awarded through an application process. Grant award amounts will vary based upon student need and availability of funding. We will attempt to provide as many grants as possible to eligible students.
• Can a student request emergency funds more than once if the need arises?
  • Yes, students may apply for emergency funds more than once. However, students who have not received other emergency funds will be prioritized. The funds are limited and will be awarded to students on a rolling basis until the funds are exhausted.
• Do students have to repay funds received through CARES Act grants?
  • Students who receive a CARES Act grant are not required to repay the grant.
• What will be required as justification for the grant? Will students be asked to show evidence that they have been adversely affected by COVID-19?
  • Students who wish to apply for the CARES Act Emergency Student Financial Aid Grants will be asked to submit the application.
  • Applicants will be asked to provide a statement about how the COVID-19 situation and the disruption of campus operations resulted in financial hardship. Documentation should be provided, where practicable. The documentation will depend on the individual claim; however, you should provide any documentation that is relevant to the specific financial need and hardship you experienced. Consider submitting copies of bills/paid invoices/receipts or relevant official notifications. A case manager may follow up to request additional information and documentation. If you are unsure about documentation, contact the Office of the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success. 
• How much CARES Act Emergency Student Financial Aid Grant funding has been distributed to students?
  • As of March 30, 2021, 5,732 eligible students have been awarded $4,631,796.00 in CARES Act Emergency Student Financial Aid Grants. $4,194,818.75 was distributed to 4,282 eligible students enrolled in spring 2020 through a formula using a sliding scale based on expected family contribution (EFC) and number of credits enrolled (CARES-1). $436,977.25 has been distributed to 1,450 students through the Morgan State University Student Emergency Grant Fund application (CARES-Student Emergency Relief). (As required by the U.S Department of Education, this information will be updated every 45 days.)
• Would this funding reduce my financial aid? 
  • No, this fund does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.
• What if I have an outstanding balance on my account? Will my funds pay that first? 
  • No. The full amount of emergency grants will be paid directly to you. The University will not hold any funds to pay any balance owed. 
• How will I receive the funds? 
  • The same way you receive refunds. If you signed up with BankMobile to receive direct deposits, monies will be deposited in the bank account you designated. For students not enrolled in direct deposit, paper checks will be mailed to the address on file. See the Office of the Bursar's Refund Website for additional information. 
• How quickly will students have access to the emergency funds once they have been approved to receive them?
  • 7 to 10 business days 
• Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return? 
  • The IRS issued FAQs on the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act that clarifies that CARES Act aid should be treated as a "qualified disaster relief payment" and not be treated as taxable income. Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the IRS Website for assistance.

If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Success at emass@morgan.edu. We thank you in advance for your patience as we continue to assist our students while working remotely. We will update this site as information becomes available.