Students at Kansas and Missouri colleges to get $152 million in federal COVID-19 aid
Missouri and Kansas colleges and universities are getting more than $152 million in federal aid announced Friday to help students who have suffered financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Missouri schools will get more than $103 million, and Kansas’ six four-year universities will get more than $49 million, according to announcements from Missouri Sen. Roy Blunt and Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts.
The money is part of a $14.2 billion Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund. Friday’s announcement represents only the first phase, $6 billion to be used as aid to students for expenses like course materials, technology, housing, food, health care and child care.
Students will get the money through their school in the form of emergency cash grants.
“Providing direct cash grants to students will help alleviate financial burdens and mitigate the negative impact on their academic careers,” Blunt said in a statement on Friday “I appreciate the education department for releasing this critical funding, and encourage them to move quickly on getting additional support to schools.”
Here’s how the money breaks down for some schools in Kansas: University of Kansas, $15.1 million; Kansas State University, $13.3 million; Wichita State University, $9 million; Pittsburg State University, $5.7 million; Johnson County Community College, $5 million; Emporia State University, $3.7 million; Kansas City Kansas Community College, $3 million; Fort Hays State University, $2.6 million
Missouri lists 128 colleges, university and technical schools getting money. They include: University of Missouri, $16.3 million; Missouri State University, $13.8 million; University of Missouri-Kansas City, $7 million; University of Central Missouri, $6.9 million; Metropolitan Community College, $8.7 million; Northwest Missouri State, $4.8 million; Park University, $2.8 million; Rockhurst University, $1.2 million; Williams Jewell College $707,592.
“We are certainly appreciative of any assistance we get from the federal government and as always, very appreciative of Sen. Blunt’s work for higher education,” said Christian Basi, spokesman for the University of Missouri. “In this case we are especially appreciative of his help in assisting students who are facing difficult times right now.”
Universities are just learning about the money and are not sure yet on details of how it will be distributed to students and who is eligible.
Basi said MU will be moving quickly to “see what is the best way to get this money to our students” and understand any restrictions that might come with the allocation.
Justice Horn, student body president at UMKC, said he is glad to see the money come through for students.
“This federal aid comes at a time when those who need help will finally get it,” Horn said. “Students are struggling to cover unexpected expenses related to returning home, housing, food, access to technology and other unplanned and un-budgeted circumstances. It pains me talking to students and hearing that they are suffering. I hope this aid gets to those who truly need it.”
The aid for education is part of the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package Congress approved last month. In addition to money for students, the education package will assist colleges and universities in coping with the immediate effects of coronavirus and school closures.
Missouri and Kansas colleges, like others across the country, are facing huge financial troubles due to the sudden transition to online classes, reimbursing millions of dollars to students for unused dorm and food plans and other fees, and more.
Institutions will receive amounts determined through a funding formula in the coming weeks. Missouri has said its schools will get another $103 million. The total going to Kansas schools was not available Friday.
Includes reporting by The Star’s Bryan Lowry and Jonathan Shorman.
This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 1:30 PM with the headline "Students at Kansas and Missouri colleges to get $152 million in federal COVID-19 aid."
