Coronavirus Aid Information for Students
Pandemic Provisions for Federal Loan Borrowers
At the end of August, President Biden announced several measures being taken towards student debt relief. Please refer to the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) webpage to view the full announcement and stay up to date with the latest details.
The provisions include extending the pause on payments and interest accrual on federally held Direct Loans and one-time debt relief through loan cancellation for qualified borrowers. Current information, the application and FAQ’s can be found at studentaid.gov.
Borrowers are encouraged to sign up for notifications via the U.S. Department of Education subscriptions page.
Follow Federal Student Aid or contact your loan servicer for additional information as details are released.
Additional Resources
The state of Wisconsin has partnered with Savi to offer free assistance to Wisconsin residents and workers who need help navigating the new federal loan PSLF or cancellation provisions. You should not pay for this service. Learn more about Wisconsin’s financial wellness plan.
Defaulted borrowers have help available through the Fresh Start provision. Wisconsin residents can seek assistance through the state’s partnership with Ascendium. Learn more at the Student Loan Start Over website. The information is specific to Milwaukee county; however, they will help any Wisconsin resident who contacts them for assistance.
Prior HEERF Student Funding
CARES Act (HEERF I) Funding for Students (Spring/Summer 2020)
The application for CARES Act funding is now closed.
The Medical College of Wisconsin has been awarded funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which provides emergency financial grants for eligible students impacted by campus disruptions due to the coronavirus outbreak. Eligible expenses covered by the grants must have direct ties to the disruption of campus operations, such as money spent on additional technology requirements, course materials and healthcare.
CRRSAA (HEERF II) Funding for Students (Spring 2021)
The Medical College of Wisconsin has been awarded funds from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA or HEERF II) to help students who are struggling with expenses related certain costs incurred after December 27, 2020 that arise due to the coronavirus.
ARP (HEERF III) Funding for Students (Fall 2021)
The federal government has allocated limited funds to MCW through the American Rescue Plan 2021 (ARP or HEERF III) to help students who are struggling with expenses related certain costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020 that arise due to the coronavirus.
View the MCW Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) Reports