UBalt CARES & HEERF Grants
The UBalt CARES & HEERF grants are 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 and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA).
The CARES & HEERF grants will assist UBalt students experiencing financial hardships due to the corona virus, including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance such as (not a complete list):
- Tuition & Fees
- Assistance with the purchase of food
- Needs related to housing/rent/utilities
- The purchase of course materials
- Technology related needs
- Assistance with health care (medical & mental) and/or childcare expenses
UBalt CARES Act/HEERF Funding 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 Cares Act Funding Reports web page for details.
HEERF II One-Time Grants Direct to Students
Based on the federal requirements, UBalt gives priority consideration to students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution (EFC) who meet the requirements in the eligibility sections below, and have not received a CARES Grant for the spring 2021 term. Students meeting these requirements will receive a HEERF II Grant in the amount of $300 that will be applied to their account on April 27, 2021. Students receiving the one-time grant as well as all other eligible students may complete the UBalt CARES Grant Application to request up to the maximum amount allowed for the spring 2021 term of $1,500.
Who is Eligible for the UBalt CARES/HEERF Grant?
Enrollment Eligibility:
- Summer 2021 semester: A new or continuing student who is currently enrolled at least half-time in a Title IV eligible UBalt degree or certificate program. For the summer semester, half-time enrollment is 6 credits for undergraduates and 3 credits for graduate/law/APD students.
- Fall 2021 & Spring 2022 semesters: A new or continuing student who is currently enrolled at least half-time in a Title IV eligible UBalt degree or certificate program. For fall/spring semesters half-time enrollment is 6 credits.
A student must meet all criteria listed to qualify:
- Must have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- 2021-2022 FAFSA Application required for fall 2021 & spring 2022 semesters
Who is Not Eligible for the UBalt CARES/HEERF Grant?
- A student enrolled in a non-degree program.
- A student not meeting the financial aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
Application for the UBalt CARES/HEERF Grant:
A student applies using their UBalt Login information at UBalt CARES/HEERF Grant Application . Students are eligible to apply for a maximum of $2,000 for the fall 2021 semester.
- Applications 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 their application.
- A student must verify their local address is up-to-date on the student's MyUB Portal prior to submitting the application or have enrolled in direct deposit refunds.
- A student will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid on the status of their application within 5 business days.
- The application deadline for the fall 2021 semester is December 14, 2021:
UBalt CARES/HEERF schedule for Fall 2021:
Application Opens: August 16, 2021
Disbursement Begins:
LAW/APD: September 2, 2021
Undergraduate/Graduate: September 9, 2021
UBalt CARES/HEERF Grant FAQ
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What kinds of expenses are allowable?
Expenses need to be directly related to financial hardship due to the coronavirus. Below are a few examples:- Laptop is needed because UBalt moved to online courses, this would be an allowable expense.
- The Campus Pantry had been used to access food or other household supplies.
- On-campus services for printing and now must pay for printing or purchase a printer, these would be an allowable expense.
Funds can be used for tuition/fees, food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, or childcare.
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How much can I apply for?
Students are eligible to apply for a maximum of $2,000 for the fall 2021 semester. Ubalt has a limited amount granted, and UBalt appreciates students only asking for the amount needed so that we may serve as many students as possible. -
Can I still apply if I owe a tuition and fee balance?
Yes, the purpose of the grant is to assist UBalt students directly impacted by the coronavirus. If approved, it may not be applied to a student account balance and will be refunded directly to the student. You may also use the grant to pay toward any outstanding balance receipt of funds. -
If my application is denied, may I appeal?
If your application is denied and you meet all other eligibility requirements you will be notified by ubcaresactgrants@ubalt.edu to submit additional information for review of your application. -
Do CARES/HEERF Grants need to be repaid?
No, the funding is a grant. It 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?
You may sign up for direct deposit through Cashnet by following the steps on the Student Refunds webpage.
If you have not signed up for direct deposit, a check will be sent 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 required to view the refund status is R28.
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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 each semester, Ubalt will re-evaluate available funding and update this page for applying for future terms.
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What are the deadlines to apply?
The application deadline for the fall 2021 semester is December 14, 2021. -
Are there other emergency funds available if I do not qualify for the UBalt 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 UBalt 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.