UNI distributes CARES Act funding to more than 3,000 students

UNI distributes CARES Act funding to more than 3,000 students  

The University of Northern Iowa received a total of $3.8 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding for direct assistance to our students. The funding is specifically intended to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-

19 pandemic. 

To date, funding has been distributed to more than 3,000 students who applied for relief with many students receiving their requested amount, up to a maximum of $2,200. Students need to meet Title IV federal financial aid requirements to be eligible for this financial assistance.

“This federal funding provides much-needed support for our students, many of whom have been impacted financially by this health pandemic,” said UNI President Mark Nook. "UNI will receive an additional $3.8 million from the CARES Act to cover some of our operational expenses. The financial reality, however, is that from now until the end of the summer term, the university will experience an $18.6 million net financial loss due to reduced operations, as well as the costs associated with mitigating the health and safety risks to our students, employees and many visitors. While very beneficial, the additional CARES Act funding the university will receive only covers one-fifth of our current identified losses."

UNI is working to ensure the university remains in a strong position to deliver our mission and meet strategic plan goals, but doing so will require difficult choices regarding finances and operations. Our highest priority is the health and safety of the students, employees and community members.