Liberty University chooses to distribute 100% of CARES Act funds to students

Under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Liberty University was awarded $15.2 million in federal funds based on total residential student enrollment. The CARES Act requires that institutions provide at least 50% of these funds directly to students in the form of emergency financial aid grants, but Liberty has decided to provide 100% of its funds to students in various ways.

“When we first learned of the CARES Act funds, there was no question among the administration that the entirety of the funds would go directly to our students,” said Liberty President Jerry Falwell. “When we were forced to transition to all online learning, many of our students incurred unexpected costs and some did not make full use of on-campus services for which they paid. We also know that many students and their families are struggling right now with job loss and other pandemic-related expenses. These emergency grants help students address their financial challenges and help them plan for their futures.”

Prior to the allocation of these federal funds, Liberty had already determined to award students who left the residence halls by March 28, 2020, a $1,000 credit.

The CARES Act funds will be awarded as soon as Liberty has access to the federal funding and students provide a simple eligibility certification through the Student Financial Services website. The formula to distribute the student emergency aid and institutional portions of the CARES Act funds to students was based on average costs and expenses for broad categories of students, such as dorm vs. commuter students, those with and without meal plans, and those who either stayed in Lynchburg after March 28, 2020, or left Lynchburg before that time. The amount of funds will vary by those categories and are anticipated to be between a minimum of $280 and a maximum $2,465 per eligible student. These amounts are in addition to the previously awarded $1,000 credits. If students do not need the CARES Act funding, the certification that Liberty emailed to all eligible students will enable the students to decline the funding (such funds will then be provided to those students who confirm their eligibility by July 31, 2020).

To develop its distribution model, Liberty utilized federal calculations from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and averages for eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course fees, technology, health care, and childcare, as permitted by the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, the university included international students as well as those who did not have a FAFSA on file as part of the distribution of the institutional portion of the CARES Act funds based on updated guidance from ED.

“The CARES Act funding provides our residential students with additional federal financial assistance to deal with the disruptions caused by the pandemic, support that is sorely needed in these challenging times,” said Ashley Reich, vice president of Student Financial Services.

Liberty University has initiated an electronic, self-certification process for students to confirm their eligibility and to expedite the delivery of funds. All eligible student groups have been notified as of Wednesday, July 1.

For additional information related to CARES Act funding at Liberty University, visit the CARES Act page. If you would like to contact the office, please call (888) 583-5704 or email financialaid@liberty.edu.