UB CARES Grant
The UB CARES Grant is provided by the U.S. Department of Education to support students who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is available through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The CARES grant will assist students experiencing financial hardships with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as (not a complete list):
- Assistance with the purchase of food
- Needs related to housing/rent/utilities
- The purchase of course materials
- Technology related needs
- Assistance with health care and/or childcare expenses
UB CARES Grants – Direct Aid to Student Reports
As per US Department of Education guidance – the University of Baltimore submits an initial 30-day report, following our April 21, 2020 submission of CARES Act application and certification for funds allocated under 18004(a)(1).
Visit our UB CARES Grants Reporting web page for details.
Who is Eligible for the UB CARES Grant?
Enrollment Eligibility:
- Spring 2020 semester: A student who is currently enrolled or was enrolled at least half-time (6 or more credits) in a Title IV eligible UB degree or certificate program on or after March 13, 2020.
- Summer 2020 semester: A new or continuing student who is currently enrolled at least half-time in a Title IV eligible UB degree or certificate program. For summer semesters half-time enrollment is 6 credits for undergraduate and 3 credits for graduate/law/apd students.
A student must meet all criteria listed to qualify:
- A student has who filed a 2019–2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Be a US citizen or meet the definition of an eligible non-citizen based on federal financial aid requirements.
- Must use funds to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus that have impacted the student's educational experience.
Who is Not Eligible for the UB CARES Grant?
- An International or Dream ACT student or Dual-Enrolled high school students.
- A student enrolled in a non-degree program.
- A student not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
- A student enrolled in one of the following exclusively online programs on or before March 13, 2020:
- Acct & Business Advisory (ACCTGO)
- User Experience Design (CGIDO)
- Inter Design/Information Architecture (IDIAO)
- Master’s in Business Administration (MBAO)
- Public Administration (PUADO)
- A student in default on a federal loan.
Apply for the UB CARES Grant:
A student applies using their UB Login information at UB CARES Act Grant Application.
- Requests for funding assistance will be reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid.
- A student may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to support the request.
- A student must verify their local address is up-to-date on the student's MyUB Portal prior to submitting the application.
- A student will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid on the status of their application within 3 business days.
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The application deadline for the spring 2020 semester was 5/22/2020. Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2020 semester.
UB CARES Grant FAQ
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What kinds of expenses are allowable?
Expenses need to be directly related to the changes in campus operations due to the coronavirus. Below are a few examples:- If a student needs a laptop because UB moved to online courses, this would be an allowable expense.
- If a student had been using the Campus Pantry, food purchases would be an allowable expense.
- If a student used on-campus services for printing and now must pay for printing or purchase a printer, these would be an allowable expense.
If you or a family member lost your job and cannot afford to pay for books, this expense would not be allowed because it does not relate to the university’s change in operations.
Funds can be used for food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare. These expenses need to be tied directly to a specific change in how the university is operating due to the coronavirus.
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How much can I apply for?
Students are eligible to apply for a maximum of $1,500 for the spring 2020 semester. We have a limited amount granted to us, and we appreciate students only asking for the amount needed so we can serve as many students as possible. -
Can I still apply if I owe a balance?
Yes, the purpose of the grant is to assist students with expenses related the disruption of campus operations. If approved, it may not be applied to a student account balance and will be funded directly to the student. -
If my application is denied, may I appeal?
If your application is denied you may resubmit one additional application for the spring 2020 semester by May 17, 2020. It is also recommended that you reach out to the Office of Student Support for assistance in resubmitting your application at studentsupport@ubalt.edu. -
Does the money need to be repaid?
No, the funding is a grant and does not need to be repaid.
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Would this funding reduce my financial aid?
No, this fund does not negate nor replace financial aid, and it is a one-time grant.
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If approved, how will I receive the grant?
A check will be processed to your local address on file. You can track your refund by logging in the Maryland Online Services Center. To use this site, register as a vendor using your taxpayer id number or your social security number. The University of Baltimore agency code is R28.
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What is an International, DREAM Act, Dual-Enrolled High School student?
International Student: An international student is defined as an individual who is enrolled for credit at an accredited higher education institution in the U.S. on a temporary visa and who is not an immigrant (permanent resident with an I-51 or Green Card) or an undocumented immigrant or refugee.
DREAM Act: Development, Relief and Education of Alien Minors Act, popularly known as the DREAM Act, is a legislative proposal drafted by both Republicans and Democrats. It was created to help undocumented immigrants in the United States who meet certain requirements and have an opportunity to enlist in the military or go to college and have a path to citizenship, first by being granted conditional residency and then permanent residency.
Dual-Enrolled High School Student: High school students taking college courses while they are still enrolled in a secondary school (i.e., a dual-enrollment student) or to the programs that allow high school students to take college-level courses (i.e., a dual-enrollment program).
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Can I apply for funding more than once?
A student may only apply once per semester. At the end of the spring 2020 semester, we will re-evaluate available funding and update this page for applying for the summer and fall semesters.
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What are the deadlines to apply?
Applications are now being accepted for the summer 2020 semester and will be accepted until the end of the term.
The application deadline for the spring 2020 semester was 5/22/2020.
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Are there other emergency funds available if I do not qualify for the UB CARES Grant?
Yes, the University of Baltimore Student Emergency Assistance Fund developed by the Offices of Student Support and Financial Aid in partnership with Institutional Advancement and numerous generous alumni and supporters to establish a network of support for students.
This fund helps ensure that UB students have access to the support and resources they need to successfully recover from the unexpected transition associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal is to prevent a small emergency or unexpected expense from derailing a student’s progress towards their degree. COVID-19 has inevitably caused disruption, disappointment, and logistical and financial challenges for our students.
What additional resources are available to students?
Please visit the Student Information page for the COVID-19 Outbreak or contact the Office of Student Support at studentsupport@ubalt.edu. You may also contact the Office of Student Support for assistance in submitting your CARES Grant application.
Who can I contact for additional Financial Aid information?
You may contact ubcaresactgrants@ubalt.edu for additional questions on the CARES Grant or financialaid@ubalt.edu for inquiries about financial aid.