COVID-19 student relief available
On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan (ARP), Public Law 117-2, was signed into law and awarded $4,202,625 to Charleston Southern University in Higher Education Emergency Relief Funds (referred to as HEERF III). The purpose of this funding is to provide students that may have experienced loss of employment or other financial support due to the COVID-19 emergency. These aid payments were intended to help with expenses incurred as a result of the emergency, including housing, food, course materials, technology, healthcare, or childcare.
As under the CARES and CRRSAA, CSU is directed with the HEERF III Funds to prioritize grants to students with exceptional financial need, such as those who receive Pell Grants or are undergraduates with extraordinary financial circumstances. Eligibility for HEERF III funds will be based on Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Students that completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not need to complete anything else.
Students without a FAFSA on file who believe they may be eligible may still submit a FAFSA application and provide a copy of the EFC calculation to the Financial Aid office to be considered.
Student Aid Grants will be awarded based on the following qualifications:
| Expected Family Contribution Ranges | 12 credits + | Less than 12 credits |
| 0 Expected Contribution (highest need) | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Students with PELL Grant Eligible EFC (1-4,000) (exceptional need) | $1,750 | $875 |
| Expected Family Contribution Ranges | 12 credits + | Less than 12 credits |
| Students with PELL Grant Eligible EFC (4,001-5,711) | $1,500 | $750 |
| Expected Family Contribution below the cost of attendance (5,712-10,000) | $1,000 | $500 |
| Other qualified students with Expected Family Contribution below the cost of attendance – eligible for need based (10,001-15,000) | $500 | $250 |
| Qualified students with Expected Family Contribution of (15,000-20,000 | $250 | $125 |
Eligible students were awarded funds and sent award emails notifications. Students who did not submit a FAFSA may still be considered for the HEERF III Student Emergency Grant. Students have the option to file a FAFSA during the application period and submit to the Financial Aid office for consideration.