American Rescue Plan

American Rescue Plan

What is the American Rescue Plan?

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) was signed into law on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief from COVID-19. This new law gives the U.S. Department of Education approximately $39.6 billion in support to institutions of higher education to serve students and ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic. PA College is required to provide a minimum of $1,309,955 in ARP funds to distribute to students as emergency grants for any component of the student’s cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care) or child care.

Who is Eligible for ARP Funds?

Students eligible for ARP funding at PA College of Health Sciences are those who were enrolled at the end of the refund period for each of the terms in the 2021 calendar year (Spring 2021, Summer 2021 and/or Fall 2021).

Applicants for Spring 2021 and/or Summer 2021 ARP funds must complete the COVID-19 relief fund application. The amount of each Spring 2021 and Summer 2021 award given will be based on the enrollment status for that given term (i.e. full-time, three-quarter-time, half-time, less-than-half-time).

Applicants for Fall 2021 ARP funds must also complete a 2021-2022 FAFSA, in addition to the COVID-19 relief fund application; though the FAFSA is not a federal requirement, it is how the College will determine financial need. The American Rescue Plan requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need in awarding financial aid grants to students, which is determined by the 2021-2022 FAFSA.

Please note, these funds are reserved for PA College students only (Dual Enrollment students are not eligible to receive these funds from PA College). “Guest students” completing a 3+1 program need to apply for ARP funds through their home institution.

ARP FAQs

What do I need to do to apply for the funding?
When will I hear back after submitting an application?
How long will it take to receive the funds?
How much money will I receive?
If I was enrolled in multiple semesters during the 2021 calendar year, will I receive multiple grants?
Do I need to report this award on my taxes?

Quarterly Reports