Dear Graduate Students,
In order to address the continued needs of students during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am writing to provide updates about funding resources available to students experiencing financial hardship during this time.
As you may know, the federal government has responded by providing a second round of financial support to students and institutions of higher education called the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). This legislation directs Georgetown to allocate at least $3,055,322 to students in emergency financial aid grants.
Georgetown has decided to exceed this minimum requirement and instead distribute $6 million of its CRRSAA allocation to students with the highest financial need. Funds will be distributed evenly between undergraduate and graduate students and provided to nearly 4,000 Georgetown students.
To provide grants to as many students as possible, grant amounts will vary between $250 to $1,000 for Main Campus graduate students who are half-time or more based on their financial need, as determined by their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) filing.
Eligible students will receive a separate email from the University by close of business today and do not need to take any action at this time to receive the funds other than reviewing their direct deposit and permanent address information. The Law Center and the School of Medicine are managing separate funds for law and medical students.
In addition to direct grants, which are intended to get resources to students in need as quickly as possible, Georgetown will offer degree-seeking graduate students who have not yet filed a FAFSA the opportunity to apply for funds to pay for expenses related to the COVID-19 emergency. More information about how to apply will be shared in the coming weeks.
Additional information about the CRRSAA grants is available via a set of Frequently Asked Questions. Students with questions regarding CRRSAA funding can contact 2021-cares-act@georgetown.edu.
As we all adapt to the new and ongoing stresses of the pandemic, we hope that you continue to find support in the Georgetown community.
Sincerely,
Alexander Sens
Interim Dean of the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences