Colleges and universities can the latest COVID stimulus funds to discharge loans debts and support students with exceptional needs, says the latest Department of Education guidance.
Institutions can use the funds to cover unpaid balances so students can resume their studies and also to subsidize childcare services for student parents, the department said Thursday in an update to Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) spending.
“One of my first priorities is to ensure that institutions of higher education have the financial support and resources needed to support their students and mitigate the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 emergency,” Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said in a statement.
In discharging debts, colleges and universities can make direct grants to students or use institutional grants to reimburse themselves for lost revenue while supporting students during the pandemic.
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Because the pandemic has exacerbated inequities in education system, colleges can also use the funding make financial aid grants to students in dual enrollment programs and continuing education. Administrators should also consider providing aid to students with exceptional needs, such as refugees or persons granted political asylum.
Facing food insecurity
Colleges and universities should reach out to students who meet temporarily expanded eligibility criteria for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
“Many college students have also had to deal with food insecurity,” Cardona said. “This direct outreach from the Department is an attempt to get every eligible college student to apply for these benefits so that they no longer have to worry about their next meal.”
More debt relief
The Department of Education is also seeking to cancel $1 billion in loan debt held by about 72,000 borrowers, Cardona said.
He will rescind a Trump-era policy that calculated partial debt relief and streamline the cancellation of loans and reimbursement for payments made.
“Borrowers deserve a simplified and fair path to relief when they have been harmed by their institution’s misconduct,” Cardona said. “A close review of these claims and the associated evidence showed these borrowers have been harmed and we will grant them a fresh start from their debt.”
