Through the American Rescue Plan Award (ARPA), FPU students area able to receive free grant money to help cover university expenses like tuition, books, housing, food, childcare, etc. You are not responsible for paying ARPA funds back. Undergraduate, graduate and credential students of all statuses (U.S. citizens, permanent residents, Dreamers, DACA, undocumented, international) enrolled for one or more credits are eligible. To claim your ARPA, click below to sign the Grant Consent Form by March 11, 2022.
Spring 2022 Undergraduate/Credential Enrolled Student
Award Amounts per EFC/Credit Load
* Enrolled Credits as of March 11, 2022
| Spring 2022 | 1-5* | 6-8* | 9-11* | 12+* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAFSA $0 EFC | $325 | $425 | $750 | $1,000 |
| FAFSA >0 - 10K EFC | $275 | $375 | $625 | $900 |
| FAFSA >10K - 20K EFC | $250 | $325 | $550 | $800 |
| FAFSA >20K - 30K EFC | $200 | $275 | $450 | $700 |
| FAFSA >30K+ EFC | $150 | $225 | $350 | $600 |
| No FAFSA | $125 | $175 | $300 | $500 |
Spring 2022 Graduate Enrolled Student
Award Amounts per EFC/Credit Load
* Enrolled Credits as of March 11, 2022
| Spring 2022 | 1-5* | 6-8* | 9-11* | 12+* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAFSA $0 EFC | $130 | $170 | $300 | $400 |
| FAFSA >0 - 10K EFC | $110 | $150 | $250 | $360 |
| FAFSA >10K - 20K EFC | $100 | $130 | $220 | $320 |
| FAFSA >20K - 30K EFC | $80 | $110 | $180 | $280 |
| FAFSA >30K+ EFC | $60 | $90 | $140 | $240 |
| No FAFSA | $50 | $70 | $120 | $200 |
The American Rescue Plan Awards for Spring 2022 will be processed the week of March 11, 2022. Fall 2021 Funds are fully expended. Funds are only available to degree or credential-seeking students. Students with exceptional financial need may apply for additional funding through the Edquity app.
Fall 2021 Undergraduate/Credential Enrolled Student
Award Amounts per EFC/Credit Load
* Enrolled Credits as of October 2, 2021
| Fall 2021 | 1-5* | 6-8* | 9-11* | 12+* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAFSA $0 EFC | $600 | $760 | $1,320 | $1,640 |
| FAFSA >0 - 10K EFC | $520 | $680 | $1,160 | $1,480 |
| FAFSA >10K - 20K EFC | $440 | $600 | $1,000 | $1,320 |
| FAFSA >20K - 30K EFC | $360 | $520 | $840 | $1,160 |
| FAFSA >30K+ EFC | $280 | $440 | $680 | $1,000 |
| No FAFSA | $200 | $360 | $520 | $840 |
Fall 2021 Graduate Enrolled Student
Award Amounts per EFC/Credit Load
* Enrolled Credits as of October 2, 2021
| Fall 2021 | 1-5* | 6-8* | 9-11* | 12+* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAFSA $0 EFC | $300 | $380 | $680 | $820 |
| FAFSA >0 - 10K EFC | $260 | $340 | $580 | $740 |
| FAFSA >10K - 20K EFC | $220 | $300 | $500 | $660 |
| FAFSA >20K - 30K EFC | $180 | $260 | $420 | $580 |
| FAFSA >30K+ EFC | $140 | $220 | $340 | $500 |
| No FAFSA | $100 | $180 | $260 | $420 |
The American Rescue Plan Awards for Fall 2021 will be processed the week of October 11, 2021. Funds are only available to degree or credential-seeking students. Students with exceptional financial need may apply for additional funding through the Edquity app which will be available October 1, 2021.
- What must I do to receive this money?
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You must complete the Grant Consent Form available here. Log in using your FPU username (the first part of your FPU email address) and password. Completing the Grant Consent Form lets us know whether you would like the ARPA applied to your student account or sent to directly to you. You must complete the Grant Consent Form by March 11, 2022, to receive your Spring 2022 ARPA.
- Who is eligible to receive this award?
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Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 degree and credential-seeking students are eligible for ARPA funds. Per ARPA guidelines, FPU is required to prioritize students with exceptional financial need, such as students who receive Pell Grants. FPU has done this by utilizing the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) from the 2021-2022 FAFSA.
- How much could I receive?
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This award is based on your Spring 2022 credit load which will be verified on March 11, 2022. Please be aware that changes to your credit load may impact your award amount. Students with emergency needs can use the Edquity app to apply for additional assistance funds which will be considered and awarded on a case-by-case basis.
- When and how will I receive this money?
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This award will be processed through your student account or sent directly to you by ACH or check to your home mailing address depending on how you complete the Grant Consent Form. Your award will be processed the week of April 4, 2022, and is contingent on your verified credit load for Spring 2022.
- What can I use the ARPA funds for?
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These funds have been provided to help ease the financial burden the pandemic has caused students seeking postsecondary education. The funds should be used to help cover the cost of attendance which varies according to each student. Some costs related to university attendance could include the following: tuition, housing, food, books, supplies, course materials, transportation, childcare, technology, etc.
- Is this award considered financial aid?
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No, the ARPA funds are not considered financial aid nor are they considered a resource that will impact future financial aid awards.
- Will I pay income tax on the ARPA funds?
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No, the ARPA funds are considered necessary relief as the result of a qualified disaster, which is excluded from a taxpayer’s gross income under Section 139 of the U.S. Tax Code.
- Can I still complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA)?
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YES! It is advantageous for every student to complete the FAFSA. To get started visit studentaid.gov. FPU’s FAFSA code is 001253. If you need assistance, Sunny the Chatbot has helpful videos. Go to fresno.edu/sfs and enter “FAFSA Help”.
- How do I know what my FAFSA EFC is?
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Your EFC is on the Student Aid Report (SAR) that all FAFSA filers receive. Some students receive multiple Student AID Reports due to changes to their FAFSA. In most cases, FPU will use the most recent corrected FAFSA as determined by Student Financial Services.
- What if I can’t complete the FAFSA?
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If you are unable to complete the FAFSA due to your immigration status, including Dreamer, DACA, other undocumented and international students, we will use the No FAFSA award amounts based on your program level and the number of enrolled credits as of March 11, 2022.