Carthage recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on many families’ finances, and we’ve taken steps to hopefully provide a bit of relief.

Carthage College has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards to assist students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue their education. This funding has come in three different stages and is allocated for institutional recovery as well as student recovery. The college is following the regulations of the awards and has provided additional information below for money that has been awarded or is in the process of being distributed. These awards include CARES Act funding (previously awarded), HEERF II funding (previously awarded), and HEERF III funding (in-process of being awarded).

 

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) Student Award

Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), Carthage College has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards to assist students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue their education. $3,517,190 has been awarded for institutional recovery and $3,517,560 has been awarded for student recovery. As of March 31, 2023, $3,517,560 has been distributed to students and drawn down by the institution for student aid, and $3,517,190 has been drawn down for institutional support as reflected in the most recent quarterly report.

Acknowledgment of Funding and Certification
On 5/18/2021 Carthage College received the GAN for supplemental funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) to make emergency financial aid awards and for institutional relief for expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ARP emergency financial aid awards are prioritized for students with exceptional financial need to cover costs, such as tuition and fees, food assistance, housing assistance, health care (including mental health care) emergencies, childcare emergencies, and other educational-related expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Below you will find information related to eligibility, process, and timeline. Individual award amounts could range from $100.00 to $6,345.00 depending on financial need as determined by a review of financial circumstances.

Student Eligibility:

To receive emergency assistance through the HEERF III(ARP), a Carthage student must have had:

  • Demonstrated unmet need or hardship as determined by review of financial circumstances
  • Completed FAFSA for the term under consideration
  • Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Must be enrolled in a Title IV eligible program
  • Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student
  • Must have been enrolled in the Fall 2021, Spring 2022, or upcoming Fall 2022 term and has not withdrawn from the college or graduated
  • Returned the necessary paperwork included in notification emails indicating acceptance.

As of June 30th, 2022, 1,459 students have been awarded a total of $3,111,564.61. A review of accounts for the remainder of the funds will be made on an ongoing basis until they are exhausted. Students will be notified of fund availability through Carthage email. Student accounts will be reviewed on an individual basis starting March 1st to assess need. Awards will be made on a rolling basis until the close of the grant funding or when funds are exhausted. Additionally, funds have been set aside for debt relief for 2020/2021 graduates impacted by the pandemic. Students who qualify have been sent communication on how to accept this award. Awards for this group have been included in the overall report totals.

Exclusion Criteria for Disbursement

Non-degree, visiting students, are not eligible for this emergency grant funding.

Disbursement of funds

Students will be notified via Carthage email if they are eligible for ARP funds with a link to an acceptance form. Students will need to fill out this form indicating the designated application of funds as a way of indicating acceptance of the funds. Following the return of the form, the funds will be applied.

Timeline of CRRSAA Activities and Communication to Students

Students will receive notification of eligibility following a review of accounts via Carthage email.

On 10/22/2021 all students received an introductory emailindicating how they may be eligible for funding.

On 11/12/2021: Students who were eligible for the first round of funding were contacted via email with instructions on how to accept aid.

On 01/10/2022 a reminder email was sent to students who had not responded with instructions on how to accept aid and details of the upcoming deadline to accept aid.

On 02/18/2022 an email was sent to students who were new to the institution in the Fall of 2021 and demonstrated financial need. 

On 04/28/2022 an email was sent to students who after account review demonstrated financial need. Following the May 15 deadline, students were contacted individually if they qualified for additional financial assistance to fill out an acceptance form. This will continue forward through the duration of the grant.

 

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF III) Institutional Award

Through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (ARP), Carthage College has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards for institutional relief for expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. $3,517,190.00 has been awarded for institution recovery. As of September 30, 2022, $340,863.88 has been drawn down for institutional support as reflected in the most recent quarterly report.

 

Annual Reports

For more information, visit the Carthage College profile on the Education Stabilization Fund website

 

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF Funds II) Student Award

Through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), Carthage College has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards to assist students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to continue their education. $2,517,658.00 has been awarded for institutional recovery and $1,334,248.00 has been awarded for student recovery. As of March 31st, 2021 $325,135.00 was distributed to students in the first round of funding. Additionally, awards in the amount of $65,075.00 have been awarded between April 1st and June 30th, 2021 for a total of $390,210.00. From July 1st through September 30th, 2021 $944,038.00 has been awarded to students for a total of $1,334,248.00 of funds distributed to students.

Acknowledgment of Funding and Certification
Carthage College has received supplemental funding from the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). On 1/17/2021 the college received the GAN, which was then updated by the Department of Education on 04/20/2021 and on 6/6/2021. Carthage has used the applicable amount of funds designated under the CRRSAA to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students.

CRRSAA emergency financial aid awards are prioritized for students with exceptional financial need to cover costs, such as tuition and fees, food assistance, housing assistance, health care (including mental health care) emergencies, childcare emergencies, and other educational-related expenses as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Below you will find information related to eligibility, process, and timeline. Award amounts could range from $100.00 to $6,345.00 depending on financial need as determined by a review of financial circumstances.

Student Eligibility:

Round 1 – Spring 2021 Emergency Funds March 31st- June 30th ($390,210.00)

To receive emergency assistance through the HEERF II/CRRSAA program, a Carthage student must have had:

  • An unmet spring balance
  • Demonstrated unmet need as determined by review of financial circumstances
  • Must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Must be enrolled in a Title IV eligible program
  • Must be an undergraduate student
  • Must have been enrolled in the Spring 2021 term and has not withdrawn from the college or graduated
  • Returned the necessary paperwork included in notification emails indicating acceptance by April 9, 2021.

After a review of accounts, 175 students were eligible for funds, and 113 students turned in forms to accept their award for a total of $390,210.00.

Round 2 – Fall 2021 Emergency Funds July 1st- September 30th ($944,038.00)

To be considered an automatic disbursement through the HEERF II/CRRSAA program, a Carthage student must:

  • Have a 21-22 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with Student Financial Services by June 17, 2021, or have international student status for priority awarding.
  • If selected, must have completed federal verification requirements.
  • Demonstrated unmet need as determined by review of financial circumstances
  • Complete the online check-in process for the fall 2021 term
  • Must be enrolled in a Title IV eligible program
  • Must be an undergraduate student
  • Must have been enrolled in the Spring 2021 term and has not withdrawn or graduated from the college
  • Returned the necessary paperwork indicating acceptance

After a review of accounts on July 13th, 2021, and based on the criteria, 1341 returning students were identified as eligible and 451 awards have been made.

Exclusion Criteria for Spring and Fall Disbursement

Non-degree, visiting students, students who have graduated or withdrawn, full-tuition scholarships, tuition exchange, and those using Carthage tuition benefits are not eligible for this emergency grant funding.

Disbursement of funds

Students have been notified via Carthage email if they are eligible for CRRSAA funds with a link to an acceptance form. Students will need to fill out this form indicating the designated application of funds as a way of indicating acceptance of the funds. Following the return of the form, the funds will be applied.

Timeline of CRRSAA Activities and Communication to Students

03/23/2021: Students who were eligible for the first round of funding were contacted via email with instructions on how to accept aid.

03/29/2021: Students who were eligible for the first round of funding were contacted via email with a reminder of deadlines and how to accept aid

04/07/2021 Students were contacted via email with instructions on the steps they need to take in order to be eligible for round II funding.

04/09/2021 Students were contacted via email with a final reminder on how to claim round I funding.

05/04/2021: Students were contacted via email reminding them of priority deadlines and how to qualify for round II funding.

06/03/2021: Students were contacted via email with an additional reminder of upcoming priority deadlines and how to qualify for round II funding.

Additional communications have been made individually to students who have qualified to assist with questions and clarify awards and the award process.

 

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF II) Institutional Award

Through the Coronavirus Response & Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA), Carthage College has been awarded additional funds by the U.S. Department of Education to make emergency financial aid awards for institutional relief for expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic. $2,517,658.00 has been awarded for institution recovery. As of May 31st, 2021 $2,360,033.38 has been allocated to cover lost housing revenue that had been distributed as student credits as well as $149,458.66 of lost conference revenue, and $8,165.96 of COVID related supplies and equipment.

Acknowledgment of Funding and Certification
Carthage College reviewed, signed, and submitted the application to the U.S. Department of Education for student CARES act funds on 4/15/2020 and we received our grant award notification on 4/27/2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Carthage College distributed no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants directly to students.

Total Award
Carthage College will receive a total of $3,851,906.00 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF, of which at least $1,334,248.00 was provided directly to students impacted by campus disruptions due to COVID-19 and $2,517,658.00 was awarded for institutional expenses.

Total Amount of Large Covered Funds Received from the Agency
As of the close of business on May 31st, 2021, Carthage College has allocated $2,517,658.00 of institutional HEERF II funds to institutional COVID-19 expenses.

The amount of large covered funds received that were expended or obligated for each project or activity:

  • Fall Housing Credit of $2,360,033.38
  • Lost Conference Revenue of $149,458.66
  • COVID supplies and Equipment of $8,165.96

A detailed list of all projects or activities for which large covered funds were expended and obligated

  • Institutional funds awarded through HEERF were used to reimburse the Carthage College for the remainder of the Room & Board Refunds granted to students as a result of changes to the delivery of instruction during spring semester 2020. Funds were also allocated for a portion of lost conference revenue and COVID-19 specific supplies and equipment.

Detailed information on any level of subcontracts or subgrants awarded by the covered recipient or its subcontractors or subgrantees, to include the data elements required to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) allowing aggregate reporting on awards below $50,000 or to individuals, as prescribed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

  • No subcontracts were awarded.

 

Carthage College CARES Act Student Aid Report (Final Report June 15, 2020)

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” The information below complies with the mandated reporting as it relates to the acceptance of funds distributed directly to students.

Acknowledgment of Funding and Certification
Carthage College reviewed, signed, and submitted the application to the U.S. Department of Education for student CARES act funds on 4/15/2020 and we received our grant award notification on 4/27/2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Carthage College distributed no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants directly to students.

Total Award
Carthage College will receive a total of $2,668,496 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF, of which at least $1,334,248.00 will be provided directly to students impacted by campus disruptions due to COVID-19.

Funds Distributed to Date
As of the close of business on June 15, 2020, Carthage College has awarded $1,334,248.00 in direct grants to students.

Student Eligibility
The total number of Carthage College students eligible to participate in programs under Section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, and meeting institutional regulations therefore eligible to receive CARES Act emergency financial aid grants is 2264*. Of those students, 1826 have received an award as of June 15, 2020.

Methods Used to Determine Which Students Receive Aid and How Much
Carthage College used a hybrid methodology including a set amount per eligible student based on Pell status, financial need, and enrollment (part-time/ full-time). Amounts per student were set to ensure the availability of funds for as many needy students as possible. All eligible students were contacted through an email from the President, campus Bridge notification, two personal follow-up emails, and the information was posted on our website and social media. Eligible students were instructed to submit account information for direct ACH deposits or paper checks. Several follow-up emails were provided to remind eligible students of this availability. As of June 15, 2020, 70% of students have registered for the award they are eligible to receive. Additionally, a portion of the funds was set aside for students in high-need situations. To access these funds students were instructed to fill out an on-line application that was then reviewed by a cross-functional team to assess need.

After committee approval, the Financial Aid office evaluated each application based on the information provided and awarded funds based on each student’s identified needs and the availability of funding.

The average award thus far has been from the Student Emergency funds has been approximately 900 dollars, and has been issued to a total of 351 students. These awards by application and reviewed by the committee, are in addition to the standard amounts issued to the 1801 students. In some cases, students received both a grant from the CAREs fund distribution and also from the Emergency fund depending on personal circumstances.

Instructions or Directions Given to the Students
In accordance with the Secretary of Education’s instructions for institutions to issue aid to students as soon as possible under the student aid portion of the CARES Act HEERF, President John Swallow sent the Carthage community an email communication on May 1st. This email was also placed online for reference on the COVID-19 resource page.

Thereafter, two follow-up emails were sent to students to inform students of the availability of funds under the CARES Act including the Initial Email as well as a Follow-up Email.

A frequently asked questions page was also created to provide information on CARES funds and fund distribution.

*The number of eligible students excludes those ineligible for Title IV aid (e.g., non-degree seeking students enrolled in dual credit courses, non-U.S. citizens) as well as those enrolled exclusively in online programs prior to March 13, 2020, which the U.S. Department of Education deemed ineligible to receive CARES Act funds. Institutional limitations exclude graduate students and students with full-tuition scholarships.

 

Carthage College CARES Act Institutional Portion Report (Final Report August 18, 2020)

On March 27, 2020, the President of the United States signed the CARES Act (H.R. 748), which provides emergency relief funds to organizations and individuals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), found in Section 18004 of the CARES Act, provides funding to institutions of higher education “to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus.” The information below complies with the mandated reporting as it relates to the acceptance of funds distributed directly to students.

Acknowledgment of Funding and Certification
Carthage College reviewed, signed, and submitted the application to the U.S. Department of Education for institutional CARES act funds on April 24, 2020, and we received our grant award notification on May 6, 2020. In keeping with the terms of the certification, Carthage College will distribute no less than 50 percent of the total funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants directly to students.

Total Award
Carthage College will receive a total of $2,668,496 under Section 18004(a)(1) of the HEERF, of which at least $1,334,248.00 was provided directly to students impacted by campus disruptions due to COVID-19 and $1,334,248.00 was awarded for institutional expenses.

Total Amount of Large Covered Funds Received from the Agency
As of the close of business on August 18, 2020, Carthage College has allocated $1,334,248.00 of institutional CARES act funds to institutional COVID-19 expenses.

The amount of large covered funds received that were expended or obligated for each project or activity:

  • Fall Housing Credit of $1,334,248.00

A detailed list of all projects or activities for which large covered funds were expended and obligated

  • Institutional funds awarded through HEERF were used to reimburse the Carthage College for a portion of the Room & Board Refunds granted to students as a result of changes to the delivery of instruction during spring semester 2020.

Detailed information on any level of subcontracts or subgrants awarded by the covered recipient or its subcontractors or subgrantees, to include the data elements required to comply with the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note) allowing aggregate reporting on awards below $50,000 or to individuals, as prescribed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

  • No subcontracts were awarded.

 

CARES Act Fund FAQs

Below is the FAQ page that was made available to students:

What is the CARES Act fund?
The CARES Act (which Congress approved in March) includes emergency relief funding for U.S. college students whose education has been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak. These emergency grants are intended to reimburse students for expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child care. Carthage applied for and has been awarded funds that it will distribute to more than 2,200 eligible students to help in these trying times.

Who is eligible for distributions from the CARES Act?
To be eligible for CARES Act funds, students must be enrolled in a Title IV qualified program. According to federal guidelines, and institutional requirements international students, DACA students, graduate students, and students receiving full-tuition scholarships are ineligible. Part-time students in Title IV eligible programs will receive partial funding. Distribution is weighted toward the greatest student need (as determined by Expected Family Contribution from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

I believe I am eligible. How will I receive this money?
Relief funds have been distributed directly to students through direct deposit or check.

I am not eligible for the CARES Act distributions. Are any other relief funds available for me?
Yes, the institution has also established a Carthage COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund with gifts from generous supporters. This assistance is not tied to eligibility regulations set forward by the government through the CARES Act. Students in need are encouraged to fill out an application.

I received CARES Act funds, but there is still a gap in my financial situation. Are there other funding sources?
Yes, students who received CARES Act funds can also apply for grants through the Carthage COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund. Complete the application

 

Emergency Fund FAQs

What is the Carthage student emergency fund?
Separately from the federal relief program, the College has established its own line of assistance: the Carthage COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund. Alumni, parents, students, employees, and friends of the College responded quickly to the need and continue to give generously.

Students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency that threatens their ability to continue their education at Carthage should submit an application. A caring support team can guide you through the application process. Grants will be distributed until the fund is exhausted. This money doesn’t need to be repaid.

How do I apply for this Carthage student assistance?
The application for grants through the Carthage COVID-19 Student Emergency Assistance Fund can be found at the link below. You will need to provide documentation supporting your financial need.
Please note: Applications for the Student Emergency Fund are no longer being accepted. There is currently a waiting list for funds. We will begin accepting applications again as soon as additional funds are available.

This seems complicated. Can someone help me?
Yes. Feel free to reach out to one of the caring faculty or staff members on our support team. Their contact information is listed at the bottom of the Student Emergency Fund page.

Who is eligible for this Carthage Emergency assistance?
All students enrolled at Carthage for the spring 2020 term are eligible to submit an application. Applicants should have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or show evidence of recent satisfactory progress.

 

Room and Board Credits FAQs

Who is eligible for a room and board credit/refund?
Residential students in the spring 2020 semester are eligible for a prorated room and board credit or refund. Graduating seniors will receive a refund for unused room and board, and all returning students will receive credits on their student accounts to use toward tuition or room and board for the fall 2020 term.

Are parking fees refunded?
No, parking fees are not included in the refunds or credits.

How is the room and board credit/refund calculated?
Each eligible student will receive a credit to their student account for 100% of their unused room and board, starting from the day of required checkout (April 6). The spring 2020 room and board charge was prorated or distributed proportionally to the number of weeks in the term.

I am not planning to live on campus next year. Can I use my credit toward tuition?
Yes, credits for spring 2020 housing can be used toward either fall 2020 room and board or tuition.

I am a graduating senior. How will I receive my refund?
Refunds will be deposited directly into graduating seniors’ accounts. Make sure your banking information is on file by following this secure link.

Last updated: January 10, 2022