Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund
Beginning in March 2020, the federal government enacted several pieces of legislation funding the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (“HEERF”). The statutes require that a significant portion of the HEERF funds go directly to eligible students in the form of additional emergency financial aid for expenses related to the national emergency due to the COVID-19 crisis (“HEERF Student Share Grant Funds”). In accepting the funds, Johns Hopkins University decided to use more than the minimum required of its HEERF allocations for student relief.
The following information is provided by Johns Hopkins University as required by the U.S. Department of Education (“ED”) in order to comply with HEERF reporting requirements. This information will be updated no later than 10 days after the end of each calendar quarter (September 30, December 31, March 31, June 30) unless ED specifies an alternative method of reporting
Student Share Reports
Institutional Share Reports
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for the HEERF Emergency Grant?
The first distribution of the HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants will be available to students who are eligible for federal financial aid and meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate Students
- Federal 9-month EFC at or below 21,860 based on the 19-20 FAFSA
- Received need-based institutional aid in spring 2020
- Priority given to students enrolled in at least one face-to-face instructional course in spring 2020 (as of February 20, 2020); students enrolled in hybrid programs may also receive funds
- Priority given to students who did not graduate in May 2020
Graduate Students
- Federal 9-month EFC at or below 21,860 based on the 19-20 FAFSA
- Received federal student loans in spring 2020
- Priority given to students enrolled in at least one face-to-face instructional course in spring 2020 (as of February 20, 2020); students enrolled in hybrid programs may also receive funds
- Priority given to students who did not graduate in May 2020
The second distribution of HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants will be available to students who meet the following criteria:
Undergraduate Students
- Enrolled for the Spring 2021 term
- Had a nine-month EFC less than 22,100 on a 2020-21 application
- Received need-based institutional aid for the Fall 2020 term
Full-Time Master’s Students
- Enrolled in a program designed to be offered in person
- Enrolled full time for the Spring 2021 term
PhD Students
- Enrolled for the Spring 2021 term
Last updated: June 22, 2021 10:58am
Can my HEERF Emergency Grant be used to pay my bill?
The HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants are intended to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus. The grant will be sent directly to you according to the refund method you selected. On receipt of your refund, you may then use the funds to help pay your education expenses.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
How do I apply for the HEERF Emergency Grant?
Students do not have to submit an application. However, they must meet the eligibility criteria described above. Financial Aid will notify eligible students directly by email. Students will have to electronically certify that they have incurred allowable expenses (E.g. housing, food, transportation, course material, technology, and health expenses) prior to receiving the funds. Detailed instructions will be included with the email notification.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
If I am no longer enrolled am I still eligible to apply for a HEERF Emergency Grant?
Please see the eligibility criteria above. If you believe that you are eligible but did not receive an e-mail notification, please contact your divisional financial aid office below:
- Homewood (Arts & Sciences and Engineering)
- Carey Business School
- School of Education
- School of Medicine
- School of Nursing
- Peabody Institute
- School of Public Health
- School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
Are international students eligible for HEERF Emergency Grant funds?
Per the U.S. Department of Education, international students and DACA students are eligible for HEERF Emergency Financial Aid Grants.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
I do not qualify for HEERF funds, but my circumstances have changed and I need help. What are my options?
Any Hopkins student facing financial uncertainty related to the pandemic should contact Financial Aid to discuss options. Requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis, and prioritized based on level of financial need.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
Will the HEERF grant affect my eligibility for financial aid?
No. HEERF funding will not impact your eligibility for financial aid and will not be listed as part of your financial aid package.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
Is the HEERF grant taxable?
No. Per the Internal Revenue Service, the grant will not be included in your taxable income. Please visit the IRS’s site for more details.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
What expenses qualify under the HEERF?
Funds must be used for expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to COVID-19, including eligible expenses that are part of a typical student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and child care.
Last updated: July 17, 2020 12:00am
PhD Completion Awards
In addition to the emergency student aid block grants described above, certain PhD students may be eligible to receive PhD completion awards for 2021 or 2022 who experienced COVID-related delays in completing their program. Please see the PhD Fellowship Awards for COVID Relief page for eligibility criteria and award information.
