HEERF Fund Reports

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund

Lake Superior State University has been allocated emergency financial assistance via the 2020 Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) and the 2021 Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act’s (CRRSAA).

CARES Act

In 2020, under Section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act, LSSU made emergency financial assistance available to students who were financially impacted by COVID related disruptions. LSSU’s allocation of funding was $1,602,263, of which $801,132 was awarded emergency grants to students.

Eligibility/Application

For the first round, in order to apply for these funds, LSSU students had to be Title IV eligible, which means they were approved to receive federal aid, and have a FAFSA on file.  Eligibility was based on financial issues they had or would face related to based on an application they completed.

For the second round, CARES awards were made in a batch process, $500, for every eligibility student based on if a student had a FAFSA on file, enrolled at LSSU, and in good SAP standing. This round expended LSSU’s total student allocation of CARES.

Strengthening Institutions

In 2020, under Section 18004(a)(2) of the CARES Act LSSU was awarded $79,508 from the Strengthening Institution program.  This program helps eligible institution’s become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academics quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.


CRRSA Act

In 2021, under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSA Act, LSSU made emergency financial assistance available to students who were financially impacted by COVID related disruptions. LSSU’s allocation of funding was $2,845,606, of which $801,131 is allocated for emergency grants to students.

Eligibility/Application

CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants when awarding these grants. However, students do not need to be Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants to be identified as having exceptional need.

For the first round, CRRSAA awards were disbursed in a batch format based on EFC range, prioritizing students with lowest EFC.

Strengthening Institutions

In 2021, under Section 314(a)(2) of the CARES Act LSSU was awarded $120,601.  This program helps eligible institution’s become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academics quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.


ARP Act

In 2021, under Section 314(a)(1) of the CRRSA Act, LSSU made emergency financial assistance available to students who were financially impacted by COVID related disruptions. LSSU’s allocation of funding was $2,845,606, of which $801,131 is allocated for emergency grants to students.

Eligibility/Application

CRRSAA requires that institutions prioritize students with exceptional need, such as students who receive Pell Grants when awarding these grants. However, students do not need to be Pell recipients or students who are eligible for Pell grants to be identified as having exceptional need.

For the first round, CRRSAA awards were disbursed in a batch format based on EFC range, prioritizing students with lowest EFC.

Strengthening Institutions

In 2021, under Section 314(a)(2) of the CARES Act LSSU was awarded $120,601.  This program helps eligible institution’s become self-sufficient and expand their capacity to serve low-income students by providing funds to improve and strengthen the academics quality, institutional management, and fiscal stability of eligible institutions.


Reporting