CARES Act

In April, the Department of Education issued guidance on the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act as it related to emergency assistance for students as well as general support for higher education institutions. As part of the CARES Act funding was provided for college students who have experienced additional expenses due to the disruption of campus operations. Based on the guidance from the Department of Education the funds are to be given to those who are eligible for federal financial aid based on the FAFSA criteria, have the greatest financial need, and were not enrolled exclusively in online courses on March 13, 2020.

Northwest University has received $1,075,522 of funding from the CARES Act. Half of the funding, $537,781, is to be used for direct student support, and the other half is to be used by University to help offset costs associated with significant changes to the delivery of instruction due to COVID-19. The decision was made by President’s Cabinet on May 5, 2020, to award $845.57 to every undergraduate and graduate student who

• Was not enrolled exclusively in online courses
• Filed a 2019-2020 FAFSA
• Had a family contribution of $15,000 and below
• Remained enrolled spring term.

There were a total of 990 students who filed a 2019-20 FAFSA, were not enrolled exclusively in online courses, and remained enrolled spring term. Out of the 990 students, 636 students had a family contribution of $15,000 or below and will receive funding from the CARES Act. An email was sent to the student’s Northwest University email address on May 13, 2020 notifying them of this grant and the process of distribution.

The CARES funds were applied to the student account and promptly refunded through the third-party servicer Nelnet regardless of any outstanding balance.

The University signed the Certification and Agreement with the Department of Education on April 30, 2020 and funds were received by the University on May 8, 2020.