MSU Texas has received $2.2 million in federal funding from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSA), which provides direct aid to students in the form of grants to help ensure learning continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CRRSA grants are intended to help students with the following types of expenses:

  • Tuition and fees (including student account balances owed)
  • Housing and food
  • Course materials
  • Technology related costs
  • Health care
  • Transportation
  • Childcare expenses

Per the Act, in its awarding of CRRSA grants to students, MSU Texas is required to prioritize students with exceptional financial need, such as students who are eligible to receive Pell Grants.

How are CRRSA grants awarded?

There is no application. All eligible MSU Texas students will automatically receive a grant.

How will I receive the money?

CRSSA grants will be issued in the form of a direct deposit, or check sent to a student's current mailing address on file in WebWorld. For faster payment processing, students are encouraged to sign up for direct deposit through Touchnet located in the MSUTexas portal. Students should also review and update their mailing address in WebWorld to help ensure checks are delivered to the correct mailing address.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible for a CRRSA grant if you are currently enrolled at MSU Texas for the Spring 2021 term as of February 3, 2021. Please note:  per the U.S Department of Education, international, dual credit, and non-U.S.-citizens, are not eligible to receive a CRRSA grant.

If you are ineligible to receive a CRRSA grant, MSU Texas has established a student emergency fund through the generosity of our donors, friends, employees and local community. To learn more or apply, visit the Student Emergency Fund webpage.

What if I still have an account balance?

Students with an account balance who meet the U.S. Department of Education’s eligibility guidelines will receive a CRRSA grant. The CRRSA grant can be applied towards a student’s account balance if they would like. After receiving a CRSSA grant, a student may make a payment to their student account through Touchnet located in the MSUTexas portal or in person at the Business Office. Any outstanding balance owed to MSU Texas remains the responsibility of the student.

How much will I receive?

CRSSA grants will be awarded as follows:

$750 eligible students enrolled full-time with a high level of financial need
$375 eligible students enrolled part-time with a high level of financial need
$500 eligible students enrolled full-time with a medium level of financial need
$250 eligible students enrolled part-time with a medium level of financial need
$250 eligible students enrolled full-time with a low level of financial need
$125 eligible students enrolled part-time with a low level of financial need

         

Full-time Enrollment:
  • undergraduate students enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at MSU Texas for the spring 2021 semester
  • graduate students enrolled in at least 6 credit hours at MSU Texas for the spring 2021 semester
Part-time Enrollment:
  • undergraduate students enrolled in less than 12 credit hours at MSU Texas for the spring 2021 semester
  • graduate students enrolled in less than 6 credit hours at MSU Texas for the spring 2021 semester
High Level of Financial Need:
  • undergraduate students who receive Pell grants
  • undergraduate and graduate students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $0 - $5,771 according to the student’s current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 
Medium Level of Financial Need:
  • undergraduate and graduate students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $5,772 - $25,000 according to the student’s current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Low Level of Financial Need:
  • undergraduate and graduate students with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of more than $25,000 according to the student’s current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • undergraduate and graduate students without a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file with the university

All students receiving a CRRSA grant will be contacted at their my.msutexas.edu email address to notify them of grant amount they will receive.

FAQs

What is the CRRSA Act of 2021?

The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 (CRRSA) is federal legislation that was signed into law December 27, 2020. It provides a variety of emergency financial support to individuals and organizations affected by the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. The Act includes a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund II (HEERF) that provides more than $22 billion in emergency funding to institutions of higher education.

Do I need to repay the money?

No, CRRSA grants do not need to be repaid.

Will this funding affect my other financial aid?

No, CRRSA grants will not impact other financial aid. This is a special grant to help you manage unexpected expenses related to the coronavirus and continue your education despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It will not affect other financial aid you may be eligible to receive.

Are the CRRSA grants taxable?

It is unclear at the moment. If there is updated guidance from the U.S. Treasury Department, it will be added here.

Questions?

Please contact the Office of Financial Aid with any questions about CRRSA funding.

Email Address: financial-aid@msutexas.edu

 

This emergency student aid program is funded by a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education under the CRRSA Act (PR/Award no. P425E200196).