COVID Emergency Grant

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act signed into law on March 27 provides funding to higher education institutions to respond to the COVID-19 emergency. Fresno City College received approximately $11,224,898, of which 50% is direct aid to support our currently enrolled students. The Federal Funding is being allocated to our students to cover expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the COVID-19 (including eligible expenses under a student’s cost of attendance, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care and childcare). Based on the CARES Act guidelines, Fresno City College is distributing these funds to Title IV eligible students with the greatest need.

Fresno City College received $34,866,461 to be awarded to students.  As of December 31, 2022, we have disbursed a total of $29,553,949 to 46,306 eligible students.

On April 13, 2020 the institution signed and returned to the Department the Certification and Agreement and the assurance that the institution has used, or intends to use, no less than 50 percent of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

HEERF Institutional Annual 1 Report

Frequently Asked Questions

A: You are eligible to receive CARES if you are a Title IV eligible student. You must meet the requirements below:

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible degree or certificate program. 
  • Not be enrolled in elementary or secondary school.
  • For currently enrolled students, be making satisfactory academic progress.
  • Not owe an overpayment on Title IV grants or loans.
  • Not be in default on a Title IV loan.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or national, permanent resident, or other eligible noncitizen.
  • Have returned fraudulently obtained Title IV funds if convicted of or pled guilty or no contest to charges. 
  • Not have fraudulently received Title IV loans in excess of annual or aggregate limits.
  • Have repaid Title IV loan amounts in excess of annual or aggregate limits if obtained inadvertently.
  • Have Selective Service registration verified.
  • Have Social Security Number verified.
  • Not have a federal or state conviction for drug possession or sale, with certain time limitations.

A: The award amount varies, see the charts below. We based your award on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and units enrolled. If you do not know your EFC, it can be found on your Student Aid Report at  FAFSA.gov.

Award Amounts
Type 12 + units 9-11.5 units 6-8.5 units Less than 6 units
Tier 1 – (EFC<$5,576) $600 $450 $300 $175
Tier 2 – (EFC $5,577 - $30,000) $350 $300 $250 $150
Tier 3 – (EFC>$30,000) $150 $150 $150 $150

A: No, it is not too late, though there are limited funds. You can submit your 2019-2020 application by going to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

A: You do not have to repay CARES funds if you were enrolled at the time it was determined that you were eligible.

A: If you are set-up for direct deposit the funds will be deposited into your bank account.  If you are not set-up for direct deposit the CARES check will be mailed to the address you have listed on WebAdvisor.