ASU to utilize $31.7 million of CARES Act for direct student support

PHOENIX — Arizona State University will disburse at least $31.7 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to direct student support through spring 2021, the university announced on Friday.

ASU received $63.5 million in the act passed in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The university estimates the funds will help around 14,000 students, with awards that will likely range from $500 to $6,000 and be directly placed in the student’s accounts with no application necessary in most cases.

Just under half of the $31.7 million in direct support will go to aid continuing students who do not currently receive institutional aid from the university.

Another $8.9 million will help students from low-income families who demonstrate the highest level of need, including those in programs that help remove family resources as a barrier to higher education.

The university also said $2.5 million will be used to help new students with a demonstrated need, and an additional $2.4 million of need-based aid will go to students who took classes in the summer to catch up or get ahead on studies.

The remainder of the funds will be utilized for students and families whose financial situations have changed and may now be eligible for aid or further assistance, with additional money being set aside for students who have basic unmet needs.

On-campus, in-person classes are set to resume on Aug. 20, according to the university’s website.

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