University of Arizona To Receive Nearly $84M In Coronavirus Aid

TUCSON, AZ — The University of Arizona will receive a nearly $84 million grant as part of coronavirus relief funds from the American Rescue Plan, according to allocation figures released by the U.S. Department of Education.

According to the department, the college will receive $83,541,350, of which at least $42.24 million has to go to student aid. Colleges across the country are set to receive funds totaling $36 billion.

“These funds are critical to ensuring that all of our nation’s students – particularly those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic – have the opportunity to enroll, continue their education, graduate, and pursue their careers,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement. “With this action, thousands of institutions will be able to provide direct relief to students who need it most, so we can make sure that we not only recover from the pandemic, but also build back even stronger than before.”

The latest round of funding is in addition to money that colleges have already received through previous coronavirus aid relief bills.

The department also released guidance on how institutions can use the grant money, including:

• Supporting students with exceptional needs, such as those with Pell Grants or extraordinary financial circumstances.

The department’s guidance says that “institutions can consider a variety of factors when assessing need, such as a student’s eligibility for other federal or state need-based aid, significant unexpected expenses, loss of employment, reduced income, or food or housing insecurity.”

• Retention and reengagement of students by giving academic or mental health support. The guidance says institutions can discharge student debt accrued during the pandemic to help students.

• Prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including efforts to vaccinate students and campus communities.