CARES Grant FAQ
Xavier is pleased to offer financial resources to support students experiencing financial difficulty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible students can apply for assistance from the Xavier CARES Grant program, funded by the federal CARES Act legislation (application).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CARES Act?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was passed by Congress to help provide financial relief from the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. Half of the funds allocated to universities through the CARES Act must be given directly to eligible students to assist with unanticipated expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19. Xavier University has received approximately $1.6 million under this program to be disbursed directly to our students. The University has established the Xavier CARES Grant program to facilitate the disbursement of the federal funds to students. Students who meet eligibility requirements as set forth by the Department of Education and who demonstrate the greatest need may receive assistance from this fund.
What type of student expenses can this aid cover?
Xavier CARES Grants may be requested to assist with unforeseen expenses for a student’s cost of attendance at Xavier. Requests for assistance with the following expenses will be considered:
- Housing and moving expenses (e.g. rent, storage)
- Technology (e.g. internet, routers, computers, cameras, software)
- Transportation (e.g. unexpected travel costs)
- Child care
- Medical expenses
- Utility costs
- Books/Application fees
Who is eligible to receive assistance from the Xavier CARES Grant program?
Under the U.S. Department of Education rules, qualifying students are those who are eligible for federal financial aid. Students who have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (“FAFSA”) have demonstrated this eligibility. Matriculated students enrolled in the spring 2020 semester as a part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in on-campus programs are eligible. Students expecting to graduate in spring 2020 are also eligible.
Based on guidance from The Department of Education, Xavier CARES Grants are not available to:
- International students
- Non-US citizens
- Students who were enrolled in exclusively online programs as of March 13, 2020
- Non-matriculated students
- Students who withdrew from the University prior to March 13, 2020
If I haven’t filed a FAFSA, how do I know if I am eligible?
Eligibility to receive federal financial aid requires the following: U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen; valid Social Security number; registration with Selective Service (male students); high school diploma, GED, or completion of homeschool high school. If you have not filed a FAFSA, you may be asked for additional information to establish your eligibility.
How do I apply for a Xavier CARES Grant?
- The Xavier CARES Grant online application is available here.
Applications for Xavier CARES Grants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds are distributed.
What is the deadline to apply for a Xavier CARES Grant?
There is no deadline by which you must apply. Please note, however, that Xavier CARES Grant funds are limited and will be disbursed on a rolling basis so students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
How much money will I receive?
Xavier CARES Grant funding is capped at $1,500 per student. Please be aware that these funds are limited, are not guaranteed, and requests may not be granted in full. Under the U.S. Department of Education rules, students demonstrating the greatest need will be prioritized to receive assistance from a Xavier CARES Grant.
Is this a loan that I will have to pay back?
No, these funds are not a loan and you will not be asked to pay them back.
How will I receive these funds?
Xavier CARES Grant awards are distributed to students using a prepaid Focus Blue card which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Cards will be mailed to your permanent address as indicated in Xavier's student information system. Should you need approved grant funds mailed to a different address, please indicated the address on the application.
Can I apply funds I received from the Xavier CARES Grant to outstanding charges on my student account?
No, these funds cannot apply towards any student account charges. The full amount of the funding you receive from the Xavier CARES Grant will be allocated through a pre-paid Blue Focus card, which will be mailed to the address you provide on your application.
If I receive assistance from the CARES Act Relief Fund, is it considered financial aid?
No, funds from the CARES Act are not considered financial aid awarded to you and will not affect your financial aid cost of attendance.
Are CARES Act grants taxable?
No. The IRS has issued guidance that these grants will not be considered taxable income to students.
How will I be notified about funding allocation?
Students will be notified about the status of their award through their Xavier University email account. Funds will be distributed by pre-paid “Blue Focus” cards which will be mailed to students at the address provided on the submitted application.
For more about the Xavier CARES Grant program please email deanofstudents@xavier.edu