Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding (HEERF) at Pepperdine
As the University continues to closely monitor the impact of the COVID-19, we stand ready to support students overcome any interruption this pandemic has had on their lives. Pepperdine is here to support you during this challenging time and has support funds available for students impacted by COVID-19. Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
UPDATE regarding Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III)/American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021:
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, which provides additional relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, was enacted and signed into law. The ARP appropriated approximately $39.6 billion for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and represents the third stream of funding appropriated for HEERF to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. Pepperdine is reviewing ARP guidance recently released by the Department of Education and will provide updates to this website as they become available.
UPDATE regarding the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2021 (CRRSAA)/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF II):
On January 14, the Department of Education announced additional funds available to higher education institutions to serve students and ensure learning continues during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Funding is allocated by the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). We are awaiting guidance from the Department of Education concerning this recent stimulus package. Once available, details will be communicated to the Pepperdine community via your Pepperdine email address as well as on this website. Please check back often for information.
Funding Reports
Frequently Asked Questions | CRRSAA Funds
Last Updated: March 3, 2021
How is the CARES Act funding different from CRRSAA funding?
Unlike the CARES Act, the CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with "exceptional need," such as students who receive Pell Grants, however not limited to Pell grant recipients in awarding financial aid grants to students. In addition, the CRRSAA explicitly provides that financial aid grants to students may be provided to students exclusively enrolled in distance education.
I received funds from the CARES Act. Will I receive CRRSAA funds?
If you are identified as an enrolled, degree-seeking student for Spring 2021, you will be eligible to receive CRRSAA funds. Per CRRSAA guidance, Pepperdine will prioritize students with "exceptional need." Only those students with an eligible EFC (EFC = expected family contribution as determined on your official FAFSA) are eligible for an automatic CRRSAA grant. Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
Is the CRRSAA emergency grant taxable?
No, the IRS has determined that CRRSAA emergency grants are not taxable and are not reported on the US tax return. Please refer to the IRS website for the latest tax related updates.
I did not receive a grant from the CARES Act. Will I receive CRRSAA funds?
If you are identified as an enrolled, degree-seeking student for Spring 2021, with an eligible EFC (EFC = expected family contribution as determined on your official FAFSA), you will be eligible to receive a CRRSAA grant. In addition, students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
| $7,501 - $10,000 | $525 | $300 | $225 | $125 |
| $10,001 - $25,000 | $300 | $225 | - | - |
| Eligible 2020-2021 | Undergraduate (FT, TT, HT) CRRSAA Amount | Undergraduate (LT) CRRSAA Amount | Graduate (FT, HT) CRRSAA Amount | Graduate (LT) CRRSAA Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 - $2,500 | $825 | $450 | $400 | $200 |
| $2,501 - $5,000 | $700 | $375 | $325 | $175 |
| $5,001 - $7,500 | $650 | $325 | $300 | $150 |
*Students who received an "unmet need" disbursement in February 2021 are not eligible for this automatic disbursement.
FT = Full Time
TT = Three Quarter Time
HT = Half Time
LT = Less than Half Time
PT = Part Time
I am an online student. Am I eligible to receive CRRSAA funds?
Yes, if you are identified as an enrolled, degree-seeking student for Spring 2021, you will be eligible to receive CRRSAA funds.
Are international students eligible for assistance through CRRSAA funding?
No. Like the CARES Act Fund, CRRSAA funds are not available to international students. The Pepperdine Strong Fund is ready to assist international students who are experiencing financial distress due to unforeseen circumstances. Please reach out to the Student Care Team to complete the process for requesting assistance.
How did Pepperdine determine eligible students and the amount of CRRSAA grants per student?
Because CRRSAA prioritizes students with "exceptional need", eligible students were identified by reviewing students' Expected Family Contributions (EFC as determined on your official FAFSA). CRRSAA emergency grant amounts were determined by the student's EFC according to the table below:
| $7,501 - $10,000 | $525 | $300 | $225 | $125 |
| $10,001 - $25,000 | $300 | $225 | - | - |
| Eligible 2020-2021 | Undergraduate (FT, TT, HT) CRRSAA Amount | Undergraduate (LT) CRRSAA Amount | Graduate (FT, HT) CRRSAA Amount | Graduate (LT) CRRSAA Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0 - $2,500 | $825 | $450 | $400 | $200 |
| $2,501 - $5,000 | $700 | $375 | $325 | $175 |
| $5,001 - $7,500 | $650 | $325 | $300 | $150 |
*Students who received an "unmet need" disbursement in February 2021 are not eligible for this automatic disbursement.
FT = Full Time
TT = Three Quarter Time
HT = Half Time
LT = Less than Half Time
PT = Part Time
Can you explain the Federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and where I can find this number?
The school received your federally calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your completed 2020-21 FAFSA. Your EFC is an index number used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. It's reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR). To view your SAR please log-in to Studentaid.gov and select, View your Student Aid Report. The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by law. You and/or your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) all could be considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college or career school during the year. The EFC Formula Guide shows exactly how an EFC is calculated.
How did Pepperdine determine eligible students and the amount of CRRSAA grants per student?
Because CRRSAA prioritizes students with "exceptional need", eligible students were
identified by reviewing students' Expected Family Contributions (EFC as determined
on your official FAFSA). CRRSAA emergency grant amounts were determined by the student's
EFC according to the table below:
TABLE
*Students who received an "unmet need" disbursement in February 2021 are not eligible for this automatic disbursement.
FT = Full Time
TT = Three Quarter Time
HT = Half Time
LT = Less than Half Time
PT = Part Time
Can you explain the Federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and where I can find this number?
The school received your federally calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from your completed 2020-21 FAFSA. Your EFC is an index number used to determine your eligibility for federal student financial aid. This number results from the financial information you provide in your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. It's reported to you on your Student Aid Report (SAR). To view your SAR please log-in to Studentaid.gov and select, View your Student Aid Report. The EFC is calculated according to a formula established by law. You and/or your family's taxed and untaxed income, assets, and benefits (such as unemployment or Social Security) all could be considered in the formula. Also considered are your family size and the number of family members who will attend college or career school during the year. The EFC Formula Guide shows exactly how an EFC is calculated.
If I received CRRSAA and a broad disbursement; am I eligible for funds?
Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance. We will continue to respond to requests based on individual needs.
How will I receive my funds?
If eligible for a CRRSAA emergency grant, the funds will be disbursed to you via a digital disbursement process, with all communication routed through your Pepperdine email. Specifically, you will receive a notification email informing you that Pepperdine University has paid you. Within the email, the recipient will need to accept the payment and direct it to the account of their choosing. Although this disbursement will come from Chase, the funds can be received by the financial institution of your choosing, to any of your bank accounts. Once the funds have been electronically accepted, funds will be available in the recipient's preferred bank account in 2-3 business days. You will have 30 days to accept the payment. If funds are not accepted within 30 days, the funds will go back into Pepperdine's CRRSAA fund for future distributions.
Do I need to pay these funds back?
No, these are student emergency grant funds.
Is there a penalty for accepting these funds?
No, there is no penalty for accepting these emergency grant funds.
Do I have to report to the school what I spent my CRRSAA grant on?
No. CRRSAA emergency grants for students may be used 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.
I have a balance due on my student account. Am I required to apply my CRRSAA grant to my account balance?
Students are not required to apply the grant to their account balances.
I have not completed a FAFSA. Will I qualify for CRRSAA funds?
Per CRRSAA guidance, Pepperdine will prioritize students with "exceptional need." Only those students with an eligible EFC (EFC = expected family contribution as determined on your official FAFSA) are eligible for an automatic CRRSAA grant. Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
I did not receive a CRRSAA grant, but I have a need that has arisen as a direct result of COVID-19. How can I request CRRSAA funds?
Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance. We will continue to respond to requests based on individual needs.
While this CRRSAA grant helped, I am in need of food, shelter, and other basic needs. Are there any funds to help me?
Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance. We will continue to respond to requests based on individual needs.
What is the deadline to contact the Student Care Team regarding CRRSAA funds?
A student would need to request funds before the end of the spring/winter 2021 term (varies by school).
Will there be additional grants available for the 2021-2022 academic year?
At this time, we do not know what, if any, additional grant funding may be made available through the Department of Education. Pepperdine will communicate information as it becomes available. Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
Disclaimer: This information is subject to change due to the evolving regulations. Please continue to check this site frequently for up to date information.