May 20 Message from The Office of Enrollment Services

MERCY COLLEGE FEDERAL CORONAVIRUS AID, RELIEF AND ECONOMIC SECURITY (CARES) ACT EMERGENCY FINANCIAL GRANTS POLICY AND ELIGIBILITY STATEMENT 

May 20, 2020

Dear Mercy College Students,

The federal CARES Act has enabled Mercy College to award grants to our students to address disruptions and economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, including course materials, technology, health care, childcare, food, and housing. 

Eligible students (as defined below) will receive a one-time grant based on their Expected Family Contribution (EFC), as calculated using the information provided on the 2019-2020 FAFSA.  Grants will be awarded as follows:

• $0-4,999 EFC will receive $550, 
• $5,000-$9,999 EFC will receive $450,
• $10,000-$14,999 EFC will receive $350, and
• $15,000 EFC and above will receive $250

Students will receive the funds either by direct deposit (if currently enrolled) or by check (via regular US mail). The funds will be deposited or mailed out within the coming week. 

ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL CARES ACT EMERGENCY FINANCIAL GRANTS

To be eligible for federal CARES Act grants, students must be:

1. Enrolled as a matriculated student in a Title IV eligible undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or certificate program for the spring 2020 term.
2. Making Satisfactory Academic Progress at the time the federal CARES Act grant funds are distributed.
3. A U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
4. Title IV eligible, evidenced by having a valid 2019-20 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on file with the College.

Students are not eligible for federal CARES Act grants if:

1. They are employees and/or their spouse/domestic partner and/or dependents are taking classes and receiving tuition remission from the College.  
2. They are not eligible for federal financial aid, including international and undocumented students.
3. They are enrolled in a program that is offered exclusively online (e.g., Master of Arts in English Literature and NursingRN-B.S. Fully Online Program).
4. They owe an overpayment of Title IV grants or loans.
5. They are in default on a Title IV loan.
6. They have been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest, to fraudulently obtaining Title IV funds and have not returned the money.
7. They have not yet repaid Title IV funds inadvertently made in excess of annual or aggregate limits.  
8. Have a state or federal conviction for drug possession or sale (except where certain time limitations apply).

Students who are not eligible for federal CARES Act Emergency grants should speak with their PACT mentor or Enrollment Services Counselor.

Sincerely,
Margaret M McGrail
Vice President, Enrollment Services