Federal American Rescue Plan (ARP)

What is the Federal ARP?

The U.S. government provided emergency funding to colleges and universities in response to the COVID pandemic. This webpage outlines how the campus has utilized these funds in support of students and the institutional mission. The ARP provided the third round of Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (HEERF).

To find more information about the Federal CARES funds, which provided the first round of funding, please visit the CSU CARES page. To find more information about the Federal CRRSAA funds, which provided the second round of funding, please visit the CSU CRRSAA page.

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Results

San Francisco State University received $41,675,487 in ARP Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students under the same Certification and Agreement with the U.S. Department of Education signed for the CARES Act.

SF State was notified of the funds on May 20, 2021. As of April 8, 2022 we have spent $18,113,799.

Who is eligible?

The ARP expands the definition of “student” from the prior two HEERF allocations. All matriculated SF State undergraduate, graduate and professional students may be considered for emergency grants funded by HEERF. Per federal guidance, students with exceptional need, as determined by Expected Family Contribution (EFC) on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be prioritized.

In order to prioritize currently enrolled students with exceptional need, we will distribute funds in two ways:

1. Direct Grants: Funds will be distributed to students with the highest need, as determined by the FAFSA or CADAA.
2. Application Based Grants: SF State recognizes that many students have felt the financial impact of the pandemic. We have designed an application to allow students who do not qualify based on EFC to apply for funds. The application was made available to students on November 8, 2021.

What can the grants fund?

HEERF grant awards are designed to support student expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. These expenses might include food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child-care expenses. Grants will be disbursed electronically to student banking accounts or via check. Students can choose to utilize the grant funds to pay current or future university charges but that is at the student’s discretion.

What will the grant amounts be?

Grant amounts vary by campus and by student, depending on campus resources and student circumstances. However, grant awards provided via HEERF dollars will not be restricted by cost of attendance ceilings and will also not be counted against a student’s future financial aid award.

How were HEERF grant amounts determined at San Francisco State?

A portion of the ARP HEERF allocation was used to assist eligible International students who were displaced by the Covid-19 pandemic in accordance with the awarding guidelines outlined on the CRRSAA page.

Grant amounts for round 1 were based on each student’s documented financial need and in proportion to the financial difficulty faced as a result of COVID-19. Eligible students were then divided into three categories:

Group 1

Students with the lowest income status who received maximum state and/or federal aid. Students with an official expected family contribution (EFC) of $0 to $1,500 were placed in this group. Group 1 students received an automatic grant award of $1,000 if enrolled full-time. The amount was prorated if less than full-time.

Group 2

Students with high financial need prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students with an official expected family contribution (EFC) of $1,501 to $3,000 were placed in this group. Group 2 students received an automatic grant award of $800 if enrolled full-time. The amount was prorated if less than full-time.

Group 3

Eligible students with some financial need. Students with an official expected family contribution (EFC) of $3,001 to $5,846 were placed in this group. Group 3 students received an automatic grant award of $700 if enrolled full-time. The amount was prorated if less than full-time. 

Round 2 awarding began November 19th, 2021 and was based on first come first serve completed applications that demonstrate expenses incurred as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic. These may include items such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. Students who describe a financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic will also be considered.  Award amounts will vary on declared expenses but will not exceed the Pell grant maximum for award year 21-22 ($6,495). Applications will be released in rounds.

Round 3 began as of December 15th, 2021 the application is now closed as of January 2022. Amounts of the award will be based on need as demonstrated by the student’s EFC and the amount of the listed expenses incurred due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. These expenses may include items such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. If a student does not have a FAFSA or CADA on file the student will be required to submit documentation of the expenses.

Round 4 began in January 13th, 2022 and included groups of students the Office of Financial Aid determined to exhibit great need. Students were awarded based on identified need and unusual circumstances. All funds disbursed by April 7th, 2022.

How long will it take to receive HEERF funds?

Students who were eligible for the first round can already see a HEERF III award posted to your their account by selecting Account Activity in the drop down of the Finances section in the Student Center. Funds will be disbursed via direct deposit if you for those who have previously designated your their bank information for this purpose. Once posted in the student account, direct deposit funds are normally received in your bank account in three business days. For help signing up for direct deposit please view this video. If you Students who have not signed up for direct deposit, you will receive a check in the mail. Allow at least 10 business days for receipt of checks. Students who have not received the funds after these time periods should contact the Bursar’s Office.

For Round 2 and Round 3 awards made for students who applied with the application by the respective priority deadlines. Award posting will occur within approximately 10 days of award notification. At that time, award recipients can select Account Activity in the drop down of the Finances section in the Student Center and see a HEERF award posted. For students who wish to receive the funding directly, funds will be disbursed via direct deposit for those who have previously designated their bank information for this purpose. Once posted in the student account, direct deposit funds are normally received in the student’s bank account in three business days. Students who have not signed up for direct deposit will receive a check in the mail. Allow at least 10 business days for receipt of checks. Wells Fargo will cash this check at no charge for students who do not have a bank account.

For students who requested the funds be automatically applied to their outstanding charges, funds will be disbursed to your student account and applied to your eligible charges and any excess will be refunded.

Will additional funding oppertunities be made available?

Yes, additional opportunities to receive HEERF III funds will be made available throughout the academic year. Please keep an eye on your SF State email address and this website.

Are these funds taxable?

According to guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, HEERF funds are not taxable. They will not be reported on your 1098-T. Learn more about the 1098-T at the Bursars website.

What if I need additional emergency food or housing crisis support?

We understand that the pandemic has caused a lot of financial strain. We are here to support you. Please visit the Basic Needs website for information regarding emergency food and shelter assistance available through our Basic Needs Initiative.  

For information on the Institutional Portion of the CARES, CRRSAA, and ARP programs, please visit the CSU CARES page.

Reporting: ARP Student Fund Reporting as of April 8th 2022.