The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act Grants
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II & III) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (Public Law 116-260 & Pub. L. 117-2), which was signed into law on December 27, 2020 and March 11, 2021, respectively. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has received funding through HEERF II & HEERF III in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the coronavirus.
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will provide HEERF II & III financial aid grants to its students, prioritizing those with exceptional need for grant awards. Students may use the award to help with any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental health care) or child-care. For purposes of awarding HEERF II & III financial aid grants, UTRGV has identified and prioritized students with a zero expected family contribution (EFC), as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as students with exceptional need.
Application/Authorization
Spring 2021
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV identified eligible students with exceptional need and invited those students to submit an application/authorization for the Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant. Students were sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students were given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to an outstanding account balance if they had one. The application deadline for the Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant was March 22, 2021.
Summer 2021
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV identified and prioritized eligible students with exceptional need and invited those students to submit to application/authorization for the Summer 2021 HEERF II Grant. Students were sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students were given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to an outstanding account balance if they had one. After students with exceptional need were provided the opportunity to submit the application/authorization, students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA), were subsequently invited to follow the same process. The application deadline for the Summer 2021 HEERF II Grant is June 1, 2021.
Fall 2021
UTRGV will be making Fall 2021 HEERF Cash Grants available to eligible students. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making these grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $850, and other students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $750. All students who have an outstanding account balance will be invited to submit an application/authorization for the Fall 2021 HEERF Grant. Students will be sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students will be given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to their outstanding account balance if they have one. The authorization deadline for the Fall 2021 HEERF Grant is August 26, 2021.
Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I
UTRGV will be making Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I HEERF Cash Grants available to eligible students. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making these grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $850, and other students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $750. All students who have an outstanding account balance will be invited to submit an application/authorization for the Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I HEERF Grant. Students will be sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students will be given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to their outstanding account balance if they have one. The authorization deadline for the Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I HEERF Grant is January 21, 2022.
Spring 2022 Module II
UTRGV will be making Spring 2022 Module II Grants available to eligible students. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making these grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $2,000, and other students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $1,900. All students who have an outstanding account balance will be invited to submit an application/authorization for the Spring 2022 Module II Grant. Students will be sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students will be given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to their outstanding account balance if they have one. The authorization deadline for the Spring 2022 Module II Grant is March 03, 2022.
Eligibility Criteria
Spring 2021
UTRGV distributed funds to students with exceptional need, defined as students with zero expected family contribution (EFC), as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Summer 2021
UTRGV prioritized distribution of funds to students with exceptional need, defined as students with zero expected family contribution (EFC), as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA) were considered, depending on fund availability.
Fall 2021
All enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for Fall 2021 HEERF Cash Grants. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $850 and, depending on funds availability, students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $750. Students who have not been enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020, must establish enrollment after the Fall 2021 census date to be eligible.
Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I
All enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I HEERF Cash Grants. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $850 and, depending on funds availability, students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $750. Students who have not been enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020, must establish enrollment after the Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I census date to be eligible.
Spring 2022 Module II
All enrolled undergraduate and graduate students are eligible for Spring 2022 Module II Grants. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $2,000 and, depending on funds availability, students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $1,900. Students who have not been enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020, must establish enrollment after the Spring 2022 Module II census date to be eligible.
Distribution of Funds
Spring 2021
Eligible students with a completed Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant application/authorization were awarded $250 the week of March 22, 2021.
Summer 2021
Eligible students with exceptional need, as determined by the FAFSA, and who submit an application/authorization received $500 beginning the week of May 17, 2021.
Other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA) received $500 depending on fund availability beginning June 1st.
Fall 2021
Eligible students with exceptional need will be awarded $850 Cash Grant beginning August 27.
Other eligible students will be awarded $750 Cash Grant beginning August 27, depending on funds availability.
Students who have not enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020 must establish enrollment after Fall census date and will be awarded beginning September 10, depending on funds availability.
Spring 2022 & Spring 2022 Module I
Eligible students with exceptional need will be awarded $850 Cash Grant beginning January 24.
Other eligible students will be awarded $750 Cash Grant beginning January 24, depending on funds availability.
Students who have not enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020 must establish enrollment after Spring census date and will be awarded beginning February 4, depending on funds availability.
Spring 2022 Module II
Eligible students with exceptional need will be awarded $2,000 Grant beginning March 11, 2022.
Other eligible students will be awarded $1,900 Grant beginning March 11, 2022, depending on funds availability.
Students who have not enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020 must establish enrollment after Spring Module II census date and will be awarded beginning March 18, depending on funds availability.
|
Semester |
Program |
Amount |
Population |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Spring 21 |
Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant |
$ 250 |
Exceptional need (zero EFC) |
|
Summer 21 |
Summer 2021 HEERF II Grant |
$ 500 |
Priority given to students with exceptional need (zero EFC), then other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA), are eligible (depending on fund availability) |
|
Fall 21 |
Fall 2021 HEERF Grant |
$ 850 |
Priority given to students with exceptional need (zero EFC) |
|
Spring 22 |
Spring 2022 HEERF Grant |
$ 850 |
Priority given to students with exceptional need (zero EFC) Other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA), are eligible (depending on fund availability) |
|
|
Spring 2022 Module I HEERF Grant |
$ 850 $ 750 |
Priority given to students with exceptional need (zero EFC) Other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA), are eligible (depending on fund availability) |
| Spring 2022 Module II HEERF Grant |
$ 2,000 $ 1,900 |
Priority given to students with exceptional need (zero EFC) Other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA), are eligible (depending on fund availability) |
Important: Sign up for direct deposit to avoid delays in mail delivery and a subsequent visit to your bank to deposit the paper check. Your funds will be available in your checking/savings account within three business days of the initial disbursement by the university to your financial institution. You can sign-up for direct deposit through my.utrgv.edu via ASSIST; the direct deposit process is in real-time which, means that your information is immediately processed.
Easy Steps to Follow:
- Log into my.utrgv.edu
- Click on ASSIST
- Select ‘My Finances’
- Select ‘Direct Deposit’
- Select ‘Add New’ and populate the required fields
- Select the type of account (checking or savings)
- Select ‘SAVE NEW DEPOSIT’
- The Direct Deposit information will be saved
If you are not able to sign up for direct deposit, make sure to review and update your mailing address via ASSIST, to ensure your funds are delivered to you.
Easy Steps to Follow:
- Log into my.utrgv.edu
- Click on ASSIST
- Select 'Student Profile'
- Select 'Personal Information'
- Update your address and other personal information
Changes to Your Family’s Financial Situation
Details on eligibility and distribution of funds will continue to be provided via your UTRGV student email. However, if you or your spouse, or parent (if dependent student) have experienced a loss of income or if your family’s financial situation has changed significantly (for example, a recent job loss, reduction in income, increased medical expenses, or other financial hardship due to COVID-19) from what was reflected in your 2019 federal income tax return you may be eligible to request a financial aid adjustment, also known as a professional judgment. Please call 956-882-4026 or email finaid@utrgv.edu to schedule an appointment with a financial aid advisor to determine if you may qualify for an income reduction or financial aid adjustment which may allow the financial aid office to make an adjustment to your financial aid package.
While UTRGV is committed to our students successfully working toward the completion of their educational goals, HEERF funding is not available to all students due to limited funding and compliance with U.S. Department of Education guidance.
HEERF Grants
The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II & III) is authorized by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSAA) and the American Rescue Plan (ARP) (Public Law 116-260 & Pub. L. 117-2), which was signed into law on December 27, 2020, and March 11, 2021, respectively. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has received funding through HEERF II & HEERF III in order to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the impacts of the coronavirus. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will provide HEERF II & III financial aid grants (referred to as Cash Grants) to its students, prioritizing those with exceptional need for grant awards. Students may use the award to help with any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental health care) or child-care.
As of May 14, 2021, all undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in Spring 2021, Summer 2021, Fall 2021, or Spring 2022 are eligible for HEERF grants. Before May 14, 2021, students also had to be a citizen or a permanent non-resident for eligibility, per then-existing federal guidance.
In accordance with the CRRSAA, ARP, and U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV must prioritize students with exceptional need for HEERF grants. UTRGV has identified students with exceptional need as being those students with a zero estimated family contribution (EFC), as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is no minimum enrollment requirement.
Depending on fund availability, other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA) may receive a HEERF grant at a later date.
Spring 2021
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV identified eligible students with exceptional need and invited those students to submit an application/authorization for the Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant. Students were sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students were given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to an outstanding account balance if they had one. The application deadline for the Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant was March 22, 2021.
Summer 2021
In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV identified eligible students with exceptional need and invited those students to submit to application/authorization for the Summer 2021 HEERF II Grant. Students were sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students were given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to an outstanding account balance if they had one. The application deadline for the Summer 2021 HEERF II Grant is June 1, 2021.
Depending on fund availability, other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA) may receive a HEERF II grant at a later date.
Fall 2021
UTRGV will be making Fall 2021 HEERF Grants available to eligible students. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making these grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $850, and other students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grant awards of $750.
All students who have an outstanding account balance will be invited to submit an application/authorization for the Fall 2021 HEERF Grant. Students will be sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students will be given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to their outstanding account balance if they have one. The authorization deadline for the Fall 2021 HEERF Grant is August 26, 2021.
Students without an outstanding account balance do not need an application/authorization and will be sent their Cash Grant in the Fall.
Spring 2022
UTRGV will be making Spring 2022 HEERF Grants available to eligible students. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making these grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $850, and other students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $750. All students who have an outstanding account balance will be invited to submit an application/authorization for the Spring 2022 HEERF Grant. Students will be sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students will be given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to their outstanding account balance if they have one. The authorization deadline for the Spring 2022 HEERF Grant is January 21, 2022.
Spring 2022 Module II
UTRGV will be making Spring 2022 Module II Grants available to eligible students. In accordance with U.S. Department of Education guidance, UTRGV will prioritize students with exceptional need – meaning, students with zero expected family contribution (EFC) as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – in making these grant awards. Students with exceptional need will be eligible for grant awards of $2,000, and other students with and EFC of $1 or greater or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be eligible for grants awards of $1,900. All students who have an outstanding account balance will be invited to submit an application/authorization for the Spring 2022 Module II Grant. Students will be sent notification of grant eligibility along with an application/authorization link via their UTRGV email address. Students will be given the option to voluntarily authorize application of grant funds to their outstanding account balance if they have one. The authorization deadline for the Spring 2022 Module II Grant is March 03, 2022.
Yes, all eligible (see who is eligible) undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a traditional or online program qualify for a HEERF Grant.
No, the HEERF Grant is not considered a loan requiring repayment.
Spring 2021
Eligible students with exceptional need who submitted a Spring 2021 HEERF II Grant application/authorization were awarded $250 the week of March 22, 2021.
Summer 2021
Eligible students with exceptional need, who submit an application/authorization will receive $500 beginning the week of May 17, 2021.
Depending on fund availability, other students with EFC of $1 or greater, or no EFC (no FAFSA) may be able to request a HEERF II grant at a later date.
Fall 2021
Eligible students with exceptional need will be awarded $850 Cash Grant beginning August 27.
Other eligible students will be awarded $750 Cash Grant beginning August 27, depending on funds availability.
Students who have not enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020, must establish enrollment after Fall census date and will be awarded beginning September 10, depending on funds availability.
Spring 2022
Eligible students with exceptional need will be awarded $850 Cash Grant beginning January 24.
Other eligible students will be awarded $750 Cash Grant beginning January 24, depending on funds availability.
Students who have not enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020 must establish enrollment after Spring census date and will be awarded beginning February 4, depending on funds availability.
Spring 2022 Module II
Eligible students with exceptional need will be awarded $2,000 Grant beginning March 11, 2022.
Other eligible students will be awarded $1,900 Grant beginning March 11, 2022, depending on funds availability.
Students who have not enrolled with UTRGV since March 13, 2020 must establish enrollment after Spring Module II census date and will be awarded beginning March 18, depending on funds availability.
UTRGV has identified students with exceptional need as being those students with a zero estimated family contribution (EFC), as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). While students are not required to have a FAFSA on file, the information provided via the FAFSA will be the primary way to qualify those with exceptional need.
Other eligible (see who is eligible) students with an EFC of $1 or greater, or students with no FAFSA, may also be considered for these funds once awards to students with exceptional need have been made. Awards are dependent on fund availability.
Students may use the HEERF Cash Grants to help with any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, healthcare (including mental health care) or child care.
Student eligibility and fund availability will determine if you are eligible for future HEERF awards.
Students may contact UCentral at (888) 882-4026 or via email to scholarships@utrgv.edu.
Student Debt Discharge
UTRGV received funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. These funds, appropriated for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), allow institutions like UTRGV to discharge student debt or unpaid balances for eligible students. UTRGV is using part of its HEERF institutional grant to do this, so that we can help students overcome the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and assist them in continuing their education.
Student who was enrolled between March 13, 2020 and March 16, 2021 with an outstanding debt to UTRGV as of 6/26/2021.
An outstanding student account balance at UTRGV or an outstanding UTRGV institutional loan such as an emergency loan or short-term loan. Federal, State, and private education loans are excluded.
Eligible students will be emailed a Debt Discharge Notification.
The discharge means that the remaining balance of your debt is forgiven, and you are not required to make any further payments. Your transcript and/or enrollment hold related to your debt has been lifted from your student record. You may request an official transcript at https://www.utrgv.edu/ucentral/grades-and-transcripts/transcript-request/index.htm
Student Accounting Services at (956) 665-7824/665-2191 or via email at student_billing@utrgv.edu.