ARP FAQs


ARP grants are being overseen by a team that includes representatives from across the University. The point of contact for students with questions (undergraduate and graduate) is the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Emails sent to ugdean@uncg.edu will in nearly all cases be answered within twenty-four hours.

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was passed by Congress and signed into law to provide economic relief from COVID-19 on March 11, 2021. One section of the ARP established the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund III (HEERF III), which provides money to schools for emergency grants distributed to qualifying students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the pandemic. UNCG has signed and returned the certification and agreement form as required by the U.S. Department of Education in order to award funds.

The university received approximately $52 million in total funds, of which over $26 million will be used specifically for the awarding of emergency financial aid grants to students.

Basic minimum eligibility is limited to students enrolled in degree or certificate programs on or after August 9, 2021, who are enrolled in Fall 2021 courses and show exceptional need. International students, DACA students and students enrolled in fully online programs are eligible for ARP grants.

All students who complete an application will receive an email notification regarding their status.

Funds will begin to be distributed to students in November 2021.

Students submitting applications for grant funds (who do not qualify for automatic award criteria) should apply as soon as possible. The application is available here. Applications will be reviewed on a weekly basis beginning in November and will be awarded until allotted funds are depleted.

We anticipate most of the awards we issue to range from $500-$3000 depending on individual student circumstances. The maximum amount students can receive from all forms of ARP funding distributed by UNCG is $5,000.

Grants will be posted directly into the student account and funds will either be disbursed through direct deposit or through a mailed check. All students are encouraged to set up direct deposit, but if you do not, to ensure you receive your check in a timely manner, make sure your address is up to datein UNCGenie.

Some grant programs will provide you the ability to opt-in to having your grant funds pay the charges on your student account if you choose. You would receive a refund for any grant funds left over after your charges were paid.

No. Federal ARP grants are not considered student financial aid funds and will not be included on award notifications, automatically applied to bills, or subtracted from current or future total financial aid eligibility.

No. ARP, CRRSSA and CARES Act grants are non-taxable. More information is available on the IRS website.

As long as students meet all ARP eligibility requirements, outstanding balances will not disqualify them from receiving ARP grants. Unlike regular financial aid, ARP funds will not be automatically applied to their account balance at UNCG. These grants will be refunded to them even if they have a current balance due. Some grant programs will provide you the ability to opt-in to having your grant funds pay the charges on your student account if you choose. You would receive a refund for any grant funds left over after your charges were paid.

We know students with outstanding balances may be facing very immediate needs with a range of payments and financial challenges. We hope they will use the money to ease their financial burden and continue their education. This may include paying their outstanding balance at UNCG, which will clear financial holds that may otherwise prevent future enrollment.

Yes. Receiving an automatic ARP award does not disqualify students from being eligible to apply for more ARP funding, or for a SAFE grant. Please note, however, that the maximum total amount any individual student can be awarded via ARP funding is $5,000.

Yes, having received a CARES Act or CRRSAA Grant does not disqualify you from receiving a ARP Grant.

ARP funds are limited; therefore, students who meet basic eligibility criteria for federal financial aid and who have the greatest financial need will receive the first distribution of these funds. The University will use FAFSA data to help prioritize students with exceptional need. If you receive financial aid but did not receive a ARP grant, you may request that the University review your current situation by applying for emergency aid funding (see Awards section above).

The SAFE initiative (Student Assistance Fund for Emergencies) is funded through the generosity of UNCG donors and administered through the UNCG Division of Student Affairs. Since Spring 2020, we have already used this fund to distribute more than $107,000 in immediate relief for students facing unexpected financial adversity. Students can apply for funds here. Questions related to requests for SAFE Funds can be directed to the Dean of Students Office via phone (336.334.5514) or email (deanofstudents@uncg.edu).