Student Stimulus Money Available for EAC Students

To be eligible, students must complete a FAFSA by Sept. 24

THATCHER, Ariz. – Eastern Arizona College is distributing $4 million in emergency aid grants to students over the next school year. To be eligible to receive these funds that were created through Higher Education Emergency Relief Funding in the American Rescue Plan students must complete a FAFSA by Sept. 24.

“Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eastern Arizona College has distributed over $2.25 million in student emergency grants from the U.S. Department of Education,” said EAC President Todd Haynie. “These grants make it possible for new students to enroll, and existing students to continue their pursuit of higher education in an economic downturn.”

Following guidance from the U.S. Department of Education, EAC is required to first prioritize grants to students demonstrating exceptional financial need. This need is determined based on a student’s Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) as calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa (FAFSA).

For the Fall 2021 semester, EAC will utilize a tiered system to award grants to enrolled EAC students who complete the FAFSA. Students currently enrolled in high school are not eligible. Award amounts vary and are determined by two factors: full-time or part-time enrollment status; and, the EFC generated by the FAFSA application.

Grants for part-time students range from $200 – $800, and full-time students will receive between $400 – $1,600. Recipients must use the grants for the cost of attendance or emergency costs generated by the coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care (including mental health care), or child care. Students who received stimulus money from the College in previous semesters are still eligible for additional funding.

To be eligible for the Fall 2021 semester distribution, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Be an enrolled and attending student at EAC for the fall semester (part-time or full-time, in-person or online – students currently enrolled in high school are not eligible);

Students with FAFSA applications that generate an EFC of $5,846 or less are considered Pell-eligible and meet the “exceptional needy” requirement and will not need to submit any further information.

Students with FAFSA applications that generate an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,847 or more will be sent an email confirming eligibility and asked to complete a short survey certifying they have incurred emergency expenses due to COVID-19. EAC’s Financial Aid Office will send out the survey and distribute funds throughout October. Students will have two weeks to respond to this survey.

To stay up-to-date on future student aid grants, please visit http://www.eac.edu/safety/CARES. For questions, please contact the EAC Financial Aid Office at finaid@eac.edu or (928) 428-8287.

About Eastern Arizona College:

Eastern Arizona College – the first community college in Arizona – has helped students achieve their dreams since 1888. With campuses in Thatcher, Globe, and Payson, EAC’s qualified and caring instructors prepare students for the most in-demand careers and advanced study at universities. EAC offers more than 80 certificates and degrees, including the #1 nursing school in Arizona, a fine arts program featuring the only marching band in Arizona, and an engineering program that brings students up to speed for success at universities and top-tiered firms. Students thrive at EAC, making friendships that last a lifetime. EAC’s vibrant student experience includes on-campus housing, more than 30 clubs and organizations, active intramurals, and nationally-ranked athletic and e-sports teams. At EAC, most students leave with $0 debt. Let EAC provide an affordable way for you to claim your dreams. Contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272 today.

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