What is the CRRSAA or CARES II?
The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) provides supplemental funding for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), which provides emergency funding to support students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care [CFDA 84.425E, Section 314(a)(1),(a)(4)]. Peirce College will refer to CRRSAA as CARES II.
CARES II grant funds that were allocated to the College will be released directly to Peirce students for qualifying expenses such as tuition, books, food, housing, technology needs, childcare expenses, medical expenses, and other educational related expenses. These funds can also assist with prior tuition and fee balances and will be paid directly to the student account.
CARES II Eligibility Criteria
- Must be currently enrolled at Peirce College.
- Must be a matriculated degree-seeking student.
- Must have completed the 2021-2022 FAFSA
- Must be a Pell grant recipient with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) range of 0-100.
- Must be directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
Steps for Applying for CARES II
- Students will be contacted directly if they are eligible for a CARES II grant.
- If you think you may be eligible for a CARES II grant and have not already done so, please complete the FAFSA.
- Confirm your BankMobile Preferences. Login to BankMobile to confirm or update your information. Learn about your options and login to BankMobile.
- Have questions? Login to PCFAST (the Peirce College Financial Aid Systems Tool) to check out the Knowledge Center where you can access videos and guides, plus find additional information about BankMobile and your financial aid awards.
Not a Peirce student yet, but want to learn more? Ask your Admissions Counselor or email us at studentinfo@peirce.edu. We'll be happy to talk you through the process for receiving a grant.
CARES II FAQs
What is the purpose of the CARES II grant funding?
The CARES II grant funds provide emergency funding to support students for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care.
How much can I be awarded in CARES II funding?
Grant awards of $1000 are available as funds permit.
How will the grants be awarded?
In awarding CARES II financial aid grants, students with exceptional need were first prioritized as a Pell grant recipient with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) range of 0-100 in June 2021. After those grants were distributed, funds were still available. New grants will be distributed to those who qualify later in 2021.
How may I spend the CARES II money?
You may spend the money on incurred expenses related to the COVID-19 virus and as indicated on your application (food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care), or you can elect to have the grant applied to your tuition balance.
How will I receive the grant funds?
Funds will be distributed through Bank Mobile. Sign up for BankMobile through PCFAST (the Peirce College Financial Aid Systems Tool) found on the My Finances tab of my.peirce.edu. To learn about BankMobile's system, please review their FAQs.
Is there a deadline for applying for CARES II funding?
Students who qualify will be notified directly. Funds will be distributed later in 2021.
What if I don’t receive financial aid?
CARES II requires that you demonstrate financial need. If you have not already done so, we encourage all students to complete the 2021-2022 FAFSA.
I owe a prior balance to Peirce College. Can I use the CARES II grant for that?
Yes, CARES II grants can be applied to prior balances. You will need to complete the CARES II application which includes a section for you to indicate how you want to receive your grant fund. For the question "Please indicate how you would like to receive or utilize the funds," select "Apply to prior balance due to Peirce College" from the dropdown.
Am I eligible for CARES II funding if I received a CARES grant disbursement in the past?
Yes. CARES II a new appropriation from the government so any previous CARES funding you may have received will not be factored into your eligibility for this new funding. You are only eligible for one grant under CARES II (CRRSAA).
Who do I contact with questions about the CARES II grant?
All questions can be emailed to SFS@peirce.edu.
Updated: August 31, 2021