Who is eligible?
To apply for these funds, you must be currently enrolled in Spring TU classes. Funding
is limited and, therefore, prioritized for students who have exhausted all their funding
options.
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 your financial
need, based on your completed 2020-2021 FAFSA form.
Do I have to repay the grant funds?
No. You will not need to repay these grant funds.
When will I know if my application was approved?
Applications are reviewed weekly. Typically you will receive notification the week
after you apply. A second correspondence will include your award amount.
How and when will I receive the grant funding?
The total refund process can take 2 to 3 weeks. First, the grant funds will credited
to your TU Bursar’s Office Student Account. Then, they will order a refund for the
same amount using their standard refund process via Bank Mobile and the State of Maryland.
After they order it, you will see an “Emergency Funds Refd AA-Doc” entry on your TU
Student Account record. If you are already signed up for direct deposit, your refund
will be sent to your financial institution by Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). If
not, they will mail a check. Direct deposits are normally received within 10 days
after they are ordered. Mailed checks usually take longer
How are HEERF II funds different from CARES grants?
Two different federal laws provided funding for Higher Education Emergency Relief
Funds (HEERF). The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) created
and funded the HEERF I CARES Grants and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental
Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) allocated funding for additional HEERF II Grants.
Would this funding reduce my other financial aid?
No, approved awards will not cause any reductions in your other financial aid for
2020-2021 or 2021-2022.
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.
Based on this IRS FAQ document, Federal HEERF Grants will not count as taxable income
and should not be included in your reported gross income because they “are qualified
disaster relief payments under section 139 of the Internal Revenue Code.”
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.
Who can I email or call for questions?
Who can I email or call for questions?For questions please call 410-704-2270 or email
studentaffairs AT_TOWSON.