CARES Act Funds are no longer available. We understand you may still need emergency assistance. Please access our Student Emergency Fund or review your options on our Community Resources page. Lastly, don’t forget about money you could receive from Financial Aid or Scholarships. For help navigating a financial emergency, please contact [email protected].
Austin Community College is here to help you succeed. ACC received CARES Act funding to support eligible students financially impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). These funds are a part of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, a new federal grant funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Federal funds are limited and not guaranteed. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. You may also access additional community resources, ACC scholarships and Financial Aid.
Eligibility & Requirements
ACC must adhere to federal guidelines set forth by the Department of Education (ED). Federal guidelines for ACC CARES Act Student Aid require that you must be eligible for Federal Financial Aid and meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in an approved degree or credential,
- Not owe any financial aid or have defaulted on any financial aid loan, or not have been involved in any fraudulent receipt, distribution, or over payment of financial aid funds,
- Be a U.S. citizen or national, a permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen, and have a social security number,
- Be registered for the selective service (if male),
- Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations,
- Be in good Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standing.
You will not be eligible for ACC CARES Act Student Aid if:
- You are co-enrolled in another college or university where you could also be receiving CARES Act funds.
- If you are not eligible, or unsure if you meet eligibility requirements, ACC still encourages you to submit an application. There are additional resources we may be able to provide. Submitting the application authorizes ACC to research those opportunities on your behalf.
Steps to Apply
Federal funds are limited and not guaranteed. Applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
- Fill out an online application.
- Complete and submit a Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA). If you have already submitted a FAFSA for 2020-2021, step 2 is not required.
- You will be contacted by ACC via email. (Due to a high volume of applications, please allow for up to seven to ten business days.)
*For ACC CARES Act Student Aid, you do not need to submit documentation or verification to the Department of Education (ED) after completing your FAFSA. However, you will receive communication from the ED if documents are needed or if you are missing anything in your FAFSA application. Following instructions and completing these verification steps may also make you eligible for Financial Aid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Current and newly enrolled students who qualify for Federal Financial Aid and have been impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for ACC’s CARES Act Student Aid.
- Click the Apply Now button to fill out an online application.
- Fill out and submit a FAFSA. If you already have a FAFSA, step two is not required.
- You will be contacted by ACC. (Due to a high volume of applications, please allow for up to five business days.)
What if I don't qualify fo rCARES ACt Student Aid
If you are not eligible, or unsure if you meet eligibility requirements, ACC still encourages you to submit an application. There are additional resources we may be able to provide. Submitting the application authorizes ACC to research those opportunities on your behalf.
Does this impact my Financial Aid?
No. Eligible students may receive both Financial Aid and CARES Act Student Aid.
Can I apply with ACC if I am co-enrolled with another college or university?
No. Federal guidelines specify that students are not eligible for CARES Act Student Aid at ACC if they are co-enrolled in another college or university where you could also receive CARES Act funds.
Once your application is approved, you will receive funds by electronic deposit or check. Be sure to set up your BankMobile preferences and make sure your mailing address is up to date.
When can I apply for CARES Act Student Aid?
Funds are available during the 2020 spring, summer, and fall semesters. Students who are currently enrolled in an approved degree or credential program are eligible to apply. Applications open at the start of each semester.