About Higher Education Emergency Relief (HEERF) II & III
WGU students were included in the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) II & III, which was authorized through passage of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act in December 2020. This federal funding is being disbursed as student emergency aid grants. Eligible students who may be experiencing financial hardships because of the pandemic will receive grants to offset the cost of attendance. Funding can be used to ease financial burdens related to tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health needs), and childcare.
Who is Eligible?
The Department of Education has stipulated that emergency grants help students who are most in need. Students must meet the criteria of “exceptional financial need,” such as Pell Grant eligibility or have significant unexpected expenses such as loss of employment for themselves or a household member, reduced income, or food and housing insecurity. WGU automatically contacts eligible students.
Refer to the Student Handbook for more information.
How Will Grants be Communicated and Disbursed to Students?
Eligible students receive email communications about their emergency aid grant eligibility with instructions on how to claim the funds. Disbursements are made via direct deposit, paper check, or a prepaid debit card.
How Can Students Spend HEERF Grants?
Students may spend their grants for any expense related to their cost of attendance such as: tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health), and childcare. Students do not need to report to the federal government how they spend their HEERF II and III grant and do not need to report the funds as income on their federal tax return.
What Aid is Available for Students Who Were Not Eligible for HEERF II & III?
WGU recognizes that with more than 130,000 Night Owls, many more students may be experiencing financial hardships than we are able to help with federal HEERF money.
WGU endeavors to help as many students as possible. For those who were not eligible for HEERF II & III emergency grants, several options are available. Visit Student Financial Resources for scholarships, grants, and other support.
Scholarships are Available
WGU has a number of scholarships available. See if there is one that might help you make your education more affordable.
HEERF Quarterly Reporting
Western Governors University has signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement form. Pursuant to the requirements under the CRRSAA and ARP, 100% of funds will be used for Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.
Reporting Quarter
Total Grant Received by WGU:
WGU Disbursement to Date:
Students Who Received an Emergency Grant:
Estimated Eligible Students*:
June 2021
$22,136,335
$18,534,550
11,988
22,590
September 2021
$37,094,272
$4,658,500
2,369
4,307
December 2021
$0
$23,137,000
14,541
22,671
March 2022
$0
$12,327,000
10,404
22,046
Reporting Quarter
Total Grant Received by WGU:
Reporting Quarter
WGU Disbursement to Date:
Reporting Quarter
Students Who Received an Emergency Grant:
Reporting Quarter
Estimated Eligible Students*:
June 2021
$22,136,335
June 2021
$18,534,550
June 2021
11,988
June 2021
22,590
September 2021
$37,094,272
September 2021
$4,658,500
September 2021
2,369
September 2021
4,307
December 2021
$0
December 2021
$23,137,000
December 2021
14,541
December 2021
22,671
March 2022
$0
March 2022
$12,327,000
March 2022
10,404
March 2022
