COVID-19 Student Emergency Funding: Northern Kentucky University, Greater Cincinnati Region

Students on campus wearing facial coverings

NKU Receives Additional Stimulus Funds to Benefit Students

The federal government has approved new emergency funding amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible, degree-seeking students at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) can receive emergency grants through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II, part of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA). NKU will continue distributing its new allotted $3,999,482 in emergency grants to students who qualify.

NKU was able to serve 3,539 students with the first CARES student emergency grant, totaling $3,999,482. With the new funding just released, NKU received approximately $8M to relieve eligible students' financial hardship due to COVID-19.

Eligible, degree-seeking NKU students who are attending at least half-time and have a 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with NKU will be automatically considered for a Spring 2021 CRRSAA Emergency Grant. For full eligibility requirements, please see our FAQ.

In an effort to continue assisting students with the greatest financial need, the funds will be distributed prioritizing PELL-eligible students first, as outlined by Department of Education (DOE) guidance. We have estimated that we will be able to award more than 3,000 students with awards ranging from $100 to $1,565.

Eligible Pell recipients may be awarded up to $1,565
Eligible non-Pell recipients may be awarded up to $750
Prioritization is based on guidance from the United States Department of Education (DoE) for students who demonstrate exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants.

For questions about eligibility and awarding, you can contact us via ofa@nku.edu, at (513) 572-5143 or (888) 225-4499, or you can visit the NKU OneStop at AC 301.

We are here to assist you!

Leah Stewart
AVP Enrollment and Financial Assistance

NKU CARES Emergency Funds

These funds are for NKU students who were enrolled in the Spring 2021. Students must be:

Degree-seeking (Undergraduate or Graduate)
Enrolled at least half-time
Good academic standing
Have a valid 2020-21 FAFSA on file and eligible for Title IV aid
US Citizen

Apply Now

Other Available Resources

Student Emergency Fund

Currently enrolled Undergraduate or Graduate NKU student (excludes Chase Law)
Enrolled at least half-time
Good academic standing

Learn More

Fuel NKU

Food bags
Toiletries

Learn More

Chase Student Emergency Fund

Currently enrolled Chase Law student

Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions

NKU CARES Emergency Fund

Q. Who is eligible for the NKU CRRSSA Emergency Fund?

These funds are for NKU students who were enrolled in the Spring 2021. Students must be:

Degree-seeking (Undergraduate or Graduate)
Enrolled at least half-time
Good academic standing
Have a valid 2020-21 FAFSA on file and eligible for Title IV aid
US Citizen

Apply Now

Q. How do I apply for the NKU CRRSSA Emergency Fund?

Eligible students will be notified via their NKU email address and will be directed to an online form.

Q. What kinds of expenses are allowable?

NKU CARES CRRSAA Emergency Funds provides monies to assist with covering educational related expenses.

Q. Do I have to repay the NKU CRRSSA Emergency Fund?

Financial aid grants are funds that you do not have to repay. The NKU CARES CSSRAA Emergency Funds are also designed to be a grant rather than a loan.

Q. I graduate this semester. Can I still receive assistance?

Yes, you are eligible to apply. However, it is recommended that you submit your application quickly as funding is limited.

Q. How will I receive the money?

The emergency grant will be awarded by the Office of Student Financial Assistance and processed to your Student Account Statement (student bill). You can provide authorization for the grant to assist with paying a balance or the funds can by-pass a balance and be sent directly to you. For faster refunding to your bank of choice, please confirm your existing direct deposit information. If not yet signed up for direct deposit, detailed instructions can be found here: Student Account Services: Direct Deposits

Monies will be sent to the student’s financial institution via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). For students not enrolled in direct deposit, a paper check will be mailed to the home address left on file at NKU.

Q. How much money is available for each applicant?

Fund amounts will be determined based on availability of funds. The emergency grants will range from $100 to $1,565. NKU cannot guarantee that all applicants will be selected for funding.

Q. If I am selected to receive NKU CRRSAA Emergency Funding, when can I expect the award?

NKU CRRSSA Emergency Fund awards, once approved and processed, will be available within 5 to 10 business days. Those awaiting paper checks will be sent through US mail service and may take 2-3 weeks.

Q. What documentation is required to be submitted with the application?

At this time, applicants are not required to submit supporting documentation with the application.

Q. Will receiving a NKU CRRSSA emergency fund negatively affect my financial aid for this year or next year?

In most cases, this fund will not impact your current or future financial aid awards. If you anticipate receiving any additional financial aid awards for the spring 2021 semester, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (859) 572-5143 or via email to ofa@nku.edu for assistance.

Q. How can students obtain more information about the NKU CARES Emergency Fund?

Information is available from the Office of Student Financial Assistance at (859) 572-5143 or via email to ofa@nku.edu.

Q. What additional resources are available if I need access to food?

Fuel NKU can provide emergency food bags to NKU students. For more information, visit the Fuel NKU webpage.

Q. Do I need to report financial aid or grants on my federal tax return?

Each financial award you receive from the federal government and other sources will have separate and unique tax consequences for your federal tax return. Visit the IRS website for additional information and assistance.

Q. Will there be NKU CRRSSA Emergency Funds for the 2021-22 academic year?

At this time, we have directed our focus to granting spring semester emergency aid, monitoring national/regional economic conditions, as well as the prospects for additional federal emergency funding for universities and students. Our primary goal is to assist students demonstrating an immediate need now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this FAQ webpage as decisions are made regarding the later use of additional funds.

Student Emergency Fund

Q. What is the Student Emergency Fund?

Student Emergency Fund (SEF) In response to the rapidly-changing situation and to help our students in need during this unprecedented time, NKU has created the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund, supported by the generosity of our donors. To qualify to receive money, a student must be enrolled at least ½ time during spring 2020 (undergraduate, graduate), in Good Academic Standing, and demonstrate a financial hardship related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption of your education. To learn more about the students who have been awarded money from this fund, please visit https://supportnku.nku.edu/student-emergency-fund-stories.

Q. Are all students eligible for this emergency fund?

All undergraduate and graduate students (excluding Chase students) who were enrolled at least half-time for the Spring 2020 semester are eligible for this fund inlcluding online, international

Q. How much financial assistance may a student request from the Student Emergency Fund?

An applicant may request up to $400.00 for assistance.

Q. What types of expenses are covered?

The Student Emergency Fund will provide financial assistance for the following:

Providing food, toiletries, and funding necessary medications
Aiding in any educational-related expenses as NKU moves to online classes
Emergency medications and other costs related to emergency medical care
Assistance for students needing to travel home or to and from work
Unmet financial costs due to loss of employment
Travel costs related to a death or illness in the immediate family (parent, grandparent, sibling, spouse, or children)

Q. Who may a student’s contact with questions about the Student Emergency Fund or additional emergency resources?

Contact the Student Conduct, Rights & Advocacy office at 859-572-5147. If you need additional resources to help you navigate during these challenging times please visit https://inside.nku.edu/scra/communitycareteam.html.

Chase Student Emergency Fund

Q. What is the purpose of Chase College of Law’s Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

To provide financial assistance for Chase College of Law students facing financial difficulties from the COVID-19 developments.

Q. Are all Chase students eligible to apply for financial assistance from the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

Yes, all Chase students are eligible to apply for assistance.

Q. How much financial assistance may a Chase student request from the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

An applicant may request up to $500. An applicant may submit one or more requests provided that the sum of all requests granted may not exceed $500.

Q. What information or documentation must be submitted with an application to the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund?

Applicants must: (1) state that they are facing financial difficulties from the COVID-19 developments because of lost employment, unexpected expenses, or other circumstances; (2) request an amount of financial assistance up to $500; and (3) describe their need for the amount of financial assistance being requested. No further documentation is required.

Q. Who may Chase students contact with questions about the Yzenbaard Student Emergency Fund or questions about the possibility of additional emergency financial assistance funds for Chase students?

Ashley Siemer, Chase Director of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at graya4@nku.edu or 859.572.5841.