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 (ARPA) Act of 2021:
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Act of 2021, which provides additional relief to address the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, was enacted and signed into law. The ARPA 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 ARPA 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
ARPA Funds at Pepperdine | Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 11, 2021
How is the ARPA Act funding different from CRRSAA funding?
Like the CRRSAA, the ARPA 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, financial aid grants to students may be provided to students exclusively enrolled in distance education; undocumented students; and international students..
I received funds from the CARES Act and/or CRRSAA. Will I receive ARPA funds?
If you are identified as an enrolled student (as of September 10) for 2021-2022, you may be eligible to receive ARPA funds. Per ARPA guidance, Pepperdine will prioritize students with "exceptional need." Students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
I did NOT receive a grant from the CARES Act and/or CRRSAA. Will I receive ARPA funds?
If you are identified as an enrolled student (as of September 10) for 2021-2022, you may be eligible to receive ARPA funds. Per ARPA guidance, Pepperdine will prioritize students with "exceptional need." ARPA emergency grant amounts were determined by the student's Expected Family Contributions (EFC as determined on your official FAFSA) according to the ARPA distribution tables. In addition, students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
I am an online student. Am I eligible to receive ARPA funds?
Yes, if you are identified as an enrolled student (as of September 10) for 2021-2022, you may be eligible to receive ARPA funds.
Are international students eligible for assistance through ARPA funding?
Yes, if you are identified as an enrolled student (as of September 10) for 2021-2022, you may be eligible to receive ARPA funds.
Do I have to pay back the ARPA emergency grant?
No, ARPA emergency grants are not loans and do not need to be paid back.
Will the ARPA emergency grant affect my financial aid?
No, ARPA emergency grants will not affect your financial aid or future eligibility.
Is the ARPA emergency grant taxable?
No, the IRS has determined that ARPA 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.
How did Pepperdine determine eligible students and the amount of ARPA grants per student?
If you are identified as an enrolled student (as of September 10) for 2021-2022, you may be eligible to receive ARPA funds. Because ARPA prioritizes students with "exceptional need", eligible students were identified by reviewing students' EFC. ARPA emergency grant amounts were determined by the student's EFC according to the ARPA distribution tables.
How will I receive my ARPA funds?
If eligible for an ARPA emergency grant, you will receive an email from the Pepperdine Student Care Team. The email will include your emergency grant amount, as well as two options for delivery of the funds. You may 1) opt-in to apply your ARPA payment to your student account, or 2) credit the ARPA payment to your personal bank account. You will have 30 days to make your selection. If a distribution selection is not made within 30 days, the funds will go back into Pepperdine's ARPA fund for future distributions.
For those who elect to have the funds applied directly to the student account, the credit will pay for charges on your student account related to tuition, class fees, housing, health care expenses and meal plans/meal points. If there are no outstanding fees on your student account, the ARPA emergency grant funds will be sent directly to you in the form of a refund.
For those who elect to have the funds sent to your bank account, 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 an ARPA grant has been disbursed to you by Pepperdine University. 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 JP Morgan 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 ARPA fund for future distributions.
Do I have to report to the school what I spent my ARPA grant on?
No. ARPA 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 ARPA grant to my account balance?
Students are not required to apply the grant to their account balances. However, students may opt-in to pay a balance on their student account.
How long will I have to accept my ARPA emergency grant funds?
You will have 30 days to make your selection. If a distribution selection is not made within 30 days, the funds will go back into Pepperdine's ARPA fund for future distributions.
I have selected my preferred disbursement method. When should I expect to receive my ARPA emergency grant funds?
Once all necessary steps to claim your funds have been completed, you will receive your ARPA emergency grant funds in approximately seven business days.
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.
I have not completed a FAFSA. Will I qualify for ARPA funds?
If you are identified as an enrolled, student (as of September 10) for 2021-2022, you may be eligible to receive ARPA funds. Because ARPA prioritizes students with "exceptional need", eligible students were identified by reviewing students' Expected Family Contributions (EFC as determined on your official FAFSA). ARPA emergency grant amounts were determined by the student's EFC according to the ARPA distribution tables. In addition, students experiencing immediate financial difficulties should contact the Student Care Team for assistance.
I did not receive an ARPA grant, but I have a need that has arisen as a direct result of COVID-19. How can I request ARPA 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 ARPA 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 ARPA funds?
A student would need to request funds before the end of the spring/winter 2022 term (varies by school).
Will there be additional grants available in spring 2022?
Pepperdine University will reserve a portion of the ARPA funding for the spring 2022 term. 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.