CARES Act Relief Fund Application for Eligible Webster Students

Eligible Webster University students experiencing a short-term financial need due to the disruption of campus operations caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) are now able to log into their Connections account and complete an application for consideration of a one-time emergency student grant from the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

These emergency funds can pay for expenses such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care that were incurred because of the University’s shift to online education and the closure of campuses due to government “stay at home orders” in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Students must also attest that they have experienced any of the aforementioned disruptions in order to be considered for the grants.

Applications for these funds must be submitted by 11:45 p.m. CDT, Friday, May 15, 2020.

The federal CARES Act provided money to colleges and universities to distribute to students as emergency grants. The purpose of the money is to provide financial assistance to eligible students for specific expenses that are a direct result of the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. This funding is separate from additional financial aid students may receive from Webster University. 

Awarded undergraduate students will receive $1,000 and awarded graduate students will receive $500. Because CARES Act funding is limited, and in the spirit of serving as many of Webster University’s most in need students, we have asked students to apply for a grant only if they truly are in need. This may have personal tax implications.

Students who meet all of the following criteria are eligible to apply: (1) working towards a degree or certificate at Webster; (2) enrolled in Spring 2020 in at least one on-ground/in-person course; and (3) have a valid 2019-2020 FAFSA on file with Webster University’s Office of Financial Aid.

Per the U.S. Department of Education, international students and students enrolled exclusively in online courses (unless they were enrolled in at least one on-ground/in-person course that was moved to an online format due to the pandemic) are not eligible to receive CARES Act funding.

Students who are ineligible, or apply but do not receive a CARES Act grant, but still have financial need, are  encouraged to visit www.webster.edu/financialaid and follow the instructions for “How to Apply for Financial Aid” for the 2020-2021 academic year.

More information and FAQ can be found on the CARES Act page in the COVID-19 Resources section of Webster's website. Students can find the application by logging on to Connections.