TU Student Emergency Funds

The Student Emergency Grant Fund assists TU students who are experiencing an exceptional financial crisis that impedes their academic progress and success.

We are currently focusing these grants on expenses related to remote learning. Examples include internet access; laptops; peripherals and supplies like printers, webcams, ink, and paper); and other related technological needs.

These grants are funded from the following sources:

  • The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) funds.
  • We also have a limited amount of additional funding from the Towson University Foundation Student Emergency and Food Insecurity Grant and some additional funding from TU vendor contracts.

Students should also explore other resources, including borrowing any remaining federal student loan eligibility.

Application Process

Submit the online application. We will review your eligibility and demonstrated need and will award funds on a case-by-case basis.

Please complete the entire application truthfully and in its entirety.  Completion of this application does not guarantee that funding will be awarded.  For fastest refunds, if you haven’t already done so, please follow these DOC Account instructions to sign up for electronic refunds with the Bursars Office.

TU Emergency Grant Funds are limited. Funding priority will be provided for students enrolled for fall 2020 who will incur significant additional expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to coronavirus.

Eligible and ineligible Expenses

Eligible Expenses
  • Suitable internet access
  • Necessary hardware (laptops, printers, webcams, etc.)
  • Required software made publicly available at Towson University
Ineligible Expenses
  • Food
  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Course Materials

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible?
To apply for these funds, you must have been impacted by the COVID-19 disruptions and must be currently enrolled in Fall TU classes. Funding is limited and, therefore, prioritized for students who have exhausted all their funding options. The Federal CARES Grants have some additional more restrictive requirements outlined in an additional FAQ below, but students who are not eligible for the Federal CARES Grants may still be eligible for grants from our other funding sources.
How can I apply?
Eligible students may apply online until all funds are exhausted.
How will I know if my application is funded?

You will be notified via your Towson University email.  

How much funding can I get?

Award amounts will vary based on each student’s unique circumstances and financial need.

Do I have to repay the grant funds?

No. You will not need to repay these grant funds.

How long before I am notified if I am awarded a CARES Grant?

Applications are reviewed at the start of each week and you can expect a response within two business weeks of review.

How will I receive the funding?

This grant award will be deposited directly into your Bank Mobile/Disbursement Online Center Account or mailed to you in the form of a rebate check. The check will be sent directly from a central processing facility in approximately ten to fifteen business-days. If you have not signed up for a Bank Mobile/Disbursement Online Center (DOC) account, please do so now using these rebate instructions. Choosing electronic fund transfer in Bank Mobile is the fastest way to receive your award.

Would this funding reduce my other financial aid? 

No, approved awards will not cause any reductions in your other financial aid for 2019-20 or 2020-21.

Are the Emergency Grants taxable?

IRS Publication 970 explains that grants and scholarships can be taxable if your total grants, scholarships, and tuition waivers from all sources exceed your qualified expenses. Qualified expenses include tuition, mandatory course fees, and required books and supplies.  Grants from the TU Foundation or other TU funds will definitely count toward these total aid calculations. The U.S. Treasury Department has not provided any guidance yet on whether the CARES Grant funds will count as aid.

If I need more funding, can I reapply?

Students are only eligible to receive the grant once per academic semester.

If I have a balance on my student account, will my grant automatically be applied to my balance?

No, your grant will be refunded to you, even if you have a balance. If you would like to use your refund to pay your balance, you may do so after you receive your refund. 

What are the CARES Grant Eligibility Requirements?

To receive federal CARES Grants students must meet the following requirements: 

  • Students must have filed a 2019-20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and must have met all the basic eligibility requirements to receive federal Title IV Financial Aid.

  • Graduate students in certain fully online TU programs are not eligible for these funds

Who can I email or call for questions?

For questions please call 410-704-2270 or email .