CARES Act Funding

Penn State was allotted nearly $55 million from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law on March 27. Half of Penn State’s allocation – or approximately $27.5 million – is designated by law to be disbursed as emergency cash grants to students impacted by disruptions to campus operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Helpful tips regarding CARES Act funding.

Please note, if you did not receive an award in the first round of awarding, there will be an application process available soon.

  1. Student had to be enrolled and finish spring 20 term.
  2. Grades and GPA from spring don't affect eligibility for the CARES grant funds.
  3. Even though it is a grant and does not need to be repaid, lionpath needs the student to accept the award.
  4. To accept the award students need to complete the CARES ACT activity guide that is in the LionPath to do list.
  5. Students can opt to decline some or all of the award if they don't need it.
  6. If they decline all or some of it and need it back, we can get the funds back, within the summer.
  7. If they applied for funding through student affairs, they can still get the CARES funding, regardless of whether or not they got money from student affairs. (SECOND ROUND APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE IF YOU RECEIVED FUNDS FROM STUDENT AFFAIRS.)
  8. As of now, this money is NOT for incoming students, as they had to be enrolled at PSU in the spring.
  9. If you have LionPath access, you can see the award letter in the students Communication Center.

See more CARES Act information.

Student Emergency Funds

Penn State, in collaboration with Barnes and Noble College, has established a Student Emergency Funds Program to help meet the immediate needs of students experiencing crisis situations. Provided in the form of one-time awards, the value of the awards range in response to the specific needs of the student but typically does not exceed $1,000.

Visit the Student Affairs website for information regarding eligibility or to share a concern. Direct questions to 814-863-2020 or [email protected].

Penn State Student Hardship Fund

Penn State Scranton also has an established a Student Hardship Funds for students facing an unexpected financial crisis or hardship. Students at risk of being unable to continue attending Penn State Scranton due to financial hardship should contact the Admissions Office at 570-963-2500.

Questions About Financial Aid

Our Admissions and Financial Aid Office will have staff available remotely to assist students with immediate and emergency needs concerning their applications for admission and financial aid during this time.  Please call 570-963-2500.

Page last updated: August 12, 2020