The pandemic has affected your college experience where your classes may be online. Many students and their families may be facing financial hardships. Some colleges now offer COVID 19 scholarships to show their concern for the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. These Covid relief scholarships could cover part of the tuition and fees as well as some living expenses or up to cost of attendance.
But don’t stop with schools, as other providers have jumped in with financial support. These COVID scholarships tend to go out on the basis of financial need, a solid GPA, or a well written essay. College students usually must show plans for full time enrollment and have a FAFSA on file. For instance Carolina University offers a COVID 19 relief scholarship. It offers 50% off tuition for the first year or about $6,000. It’s for new first year, full time students who may be pursuing undergrad or graduate degrees. This award is only for CU employees and their families who work in certain sectors impacted by the pandemic.
The Unigo $10K Scholarship is also open to all high school and college students. You just need to write an essay describing “What will you remember most about 2020 and why is it important to you?”
9 COVID 19 Scholarships You Should Apply for in 2021
Start your search with this list of 9 COVID scholarships. If you meet eligibility, make sure to apply before the deadline!
What Coronavirus Emergency Financial Aid is Available for College?
Besides COVID scholarships, there are a few options for financial assistance for students impacted by COVID. You may find financial aid from state and federal governments, nonprofits and your college. There are CARES Act Emergency Grants, Pell Grant, work study as well as state tuition assistance and temporary relief on your fed student loans. For many of them, you may need to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
CARES Act Emergency Grants
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) allotted $14 billion in funding to U.S. colleges and universities through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). According to the U.S. Department of Education, the funds could offset technology (e.g. laptop), course materials, food, housing, health care and child care.
Colleges who receive these funds (amounts may vary) must spend at least 50% on financial aid grants to students. If you file the FAFSA on time, then you may also qualify for this aid. If you have not filed the FAFSA but are eligible to do so, you may also receive these grants if you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen. Other criteria include having a high school diploma or GED, and a valid SSN. Male students must also be registered with the Selective Service.
Federal Financial Aid
You may qualify for more federal aid such as the Pell Grant or work study. The FAFSA takes into account your expected family contribution (EFC) which may vary. In other words, if your family’s finances were affected by COVID due to job loss or medical expenses, update your FAFSA. Many colleges may also be distributing federal emergency aid in the form of COVID scholarships and grants.
Emergency Tuition Assistance
Check out sources for emergency student aid. UNCF Campaign Emergency Student Aid (CESA), now called UNCF Emergency Student Aid (ESA) is one example. ESA wasn’t set up for COVID. But if you are an HBCU student who’s short on funding because someone in your family caught the virus, then you might qualify.
Many states may also offer tuition assistance programs along with Covid scholarships. The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) helps eligible New York residents pay tuition at approved schools in the state. An annual TAP award may be up to $5,165.
Temporary Relief on Federal Student Loans
If you are a borrower for federal student loans, there are several relief flexibilities in place. A temporary suspension of loan payments, halt to collection of defaulted loans and 0% interest rate on ED owned loans. According to studentaid.gov, these changes are in place at least Sept. 30, 2021.
Extended SNAP Benefits to Eligible Students
Part of the COVID relief package expanded to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) Program if you are experiencing food insecurity. To access these benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and meet their requirements. Since students aged 18 through 49 don’t usually qualify, these benefits are temporary. If you have an EFC of zero and are eligible to take part in federal or state work study, you may qualify.
There may be other options specific to your college. Check their COVID FAQ page, student financial aid office or their reliable social media platforms for webinars, info sessions and more COVID scholarships.
List of COVID Scholarships
There are awards worth below. Apply now to our list of scholarships for COVID 19.