COVID-19 has created significant financial stress for individuals and families. Illinois State University has received funding through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The money helps students with expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Students in need of emergency financial assistance can learn more about CARES Act funding and submit an online application through Illinois State’s Financial Aid Office website.
In total, Illinois State is set to receive $16.1 million through the CARES Act. As stipulated in the act, $8 million of that money is designated for emergency financial aid given directly to students.
In addition to federal relief funding, Illinois State is providing emergency financial assistance to students through the COVID-19 Redbirds Response Fund and other institutional resources. Donations to the fund assist students who have incurred financial hardships as a result of the virus, including job loss, homelessness, or food insecurity. Illinois State’s donor-supported Red and White Scholarship fund has also provided $450,000 in aid to students during the spring semester.
Students received credits to their student accounts for prorated housing and dining costs, in addition to a portion of mandatory student fees and parking permit costs.
Illinois State continues to provide on-campus housing and dining options to a small number of students who, due to extenuating circumstances, are not able to return to their permanent residences. Students, regardless of location, can access a wide array of campus support services offered by departmental academic advisors, University College, Student Health Services, Student Counseling Services, the Dean of Students Office, Technology Support Services, and others.
More information about Illinois State’s COVID-19 response is available online.
