Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns sent a campus-wide email Tuesday to students regarding the U.S. Department of Education funding for students in need through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was passed by Congress March 27.
More than 9,500 students at all levels will be awarded grants, Mearns said.
In order to be eligible for CARES Act funding, students must be eligible to receive federal financial aid by filing for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If they did not file a FAFSA for the 2019-20 academic year and wish to be considered for this funding, they should file a FAFSA as soon as possible.
Students must also verify that they incurred additional “expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus,” per federal guidelines and complete an online application.
He said students who are confirmed eligible will receive the grant in about two weeks and students applying should sign up for direct deposit in order to receive funds in a timely manner.
Student who face other financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic are directed to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
“I understand this has been a time of uncertainty, and we will help you through it,” Mearns said. “We are preparing our students to safely return to campus in August so that you can continue your education.”