lincolnu College

LU Cares Emergency Grant

Through the federal CARES Act, Lincoln University-MO can offer financial assistance to students in need. Lincoln University-MO is excited to deliver additional financial support to qualifying students during this very difficult pandemic. The federal government recently passed Phase III for CARES Act funding, which allocates emergency relief funding for eligible college students across the country to address the pressing needs of students due to COVID-19. If you are a Lincoln University-MO student and if the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted your financial situation, you can apply to receive a lump sum of money from Lincoln University-MO for qualified expenses. Although the money is funded by the federal government, individual colleges & universities are managing the application, approval process, and distribution of funds. The funding is limited and will be awarded based on the level of student need.

Who Qualifies

Students are eligible to receive funds if the following requirements are met:

• Have a declared major that is eligible for financial aid
• are currently enrolled or attempting to enroll
• Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen, or international student
• Be a Degree-Seeking student: Undergraduate, Graduate and Professional levels
• Taking courses online or in-seat
• Enrolled for Fall 2021 classes

Students are ineligible to receive funds under these conditions:

• Students who are not enrolled
• Students currently in default of federal student loans
• Students who currently owe an overpayment of federal aid
• Dual credit students, and non-degree seeking students
• Consortium agreement students where Lincoln University-MO is not the home school

About the Grant

In order to be considered for these funds an eligible student must complete a new LU Cares Application, students may elect to have these funds applied to a current/prior balance directly or receive the funds directly to their bank account or have the University issue a check to be mailed to the home address currently on file as a refund.

During the application process, students can choose the "Pay My Balance" option and agree to the terms and conditions if they currently have a remaining student account balance. OR if the student has a prior balance that is obstructing the student from registering for the current term. For account balance/refund inquires contact the Office of Student Financial Services- Student Accounts Division at studentaccounts@lincolnu.edu.

Note: If the student has a prior balance it will remain unpaid if this method is selected. It is the student's responsibility to pay if funds are refunded directly to a bank account or received as a paper check. The student has one (1) calendar day from the date the LU Cares application was submitted to make a change to the prior option selected, by email to financialaid@lincolnu.edu.

It is important to understand that by accepting the funds, the student is confirming that they incurred expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus; such as, food, housing, course materials, technology, healthcare and/or childcare costs.

By opting to apply the funds directly to an existing account balance, the student permits Lincoln University to apply the grant funds to the institutional balance owed; also, once the application is submitted, the student has acknowledged that they have the option to receive a direct disbursement of the grant funds but indicated otherwise.

Note: The student has one (1) calendar day from the date the LU Cares application was submitted to make a change to the prior option selected, by email to financialaid@lincolnu.edu.

Consistent with the U.S. Department of Education's guidance, distribution is based on a tiered approach, beginning with the students exhibiting the greatest need. 

The maximum amount of relief a student can receive is ultimately determined by the Lincoln University - MO Office of Financial Aid.

Important Information

The student has the option to receive the funds directly in the form of a refund OR if the student currently has an account balance, and is needing assistance, the option to apply the awarded funds directly to those charges is now available. Terms and conditions will apply.

During the application process, students can choose the "Pay My Balance" option and agree to the terms and conditions if they currently have a remaining student account balance. OR if the student has a prior balance that is obstructing the student from registering for the current term. For account balance/refund inquires contact the Office of Student Financial Services- Student Accounts Division at 573-681-5278 or studentaccounts@lincolnu.edu.

Direct deposit of funds is safer and faster. Typically, students receive funds one to two days sooner than when checks are sent by mail. If you need to set-up a direct deposit, check out this link for instructions on how to set it up. For account balances/refund inquiries, contact the Office of Student Financial Services- Student Accounts Division at studentaccounts@lincolnu.edu.

If the student is unable to take advantage of direct deposit, refunds will be made through a University issued check mailed to the home address on file. Please take a moment to make sure the name and address information is updated. If it has changed, students can update in the link below. Please do not update your address to your dormitory address. Complete the "Name and Address Change Request Form," and submit by email to registrar@lincolnu.edu

How to Apply

Awards are granted on a first come, first served basis! The application process will remain open until all funds have been exhausted. You may apply by using the application found HERE.

What Happens Next

Once your application is submitted:

• The Office of Student Financial Services will confirm your information has been successfully received
• Your application will be reviewed and processed within 10 business days of receipt
• If approved and the award is granted, the student will receive an award offer notification to "view", the student is then directed to the Blue Tiger Portal, select Financial Aid, then "My Awards" and view the award letter.
• Refunds are issued per the University refund schedule, the University refunds every two weeks. The next refund date will be announced soon.

Potential Processing Errors/Delays

If the student completed the LU Cares application and funds are not received, he/she may have errors on their application. Please verify that you have entered your correct Lincoln University - MO student ID #. If you have entered incorrect or inaccurate information, your application will not process. If issues persist contact the Office of Student Financial Services - Financial Aid Division at financialaid@lincolnu.edu. Besides these issues other common errors include but are not limited to:

• The student has applied more than once (when applying more than once, the student may use an alternate email address.)
• The student does not meet the eligibility requirements (please refer to the eligibility requirements)
• Student has applied by using a cellular device (for best results please use a desktop or laptop)

*Disclaimer for students with unpaid student accounts*: Receipt of a payment through the LU Cares Emergency Grant does not eliminate any current student debt owed to the University. You can elect to have your funds applied to a current or prior balance when filling out the application, or if you would like to make a payment towards an outstanding balance, please log into the Blue Tiger Portal, select Student Finance and Make a Payment. You may also contact the Cashiers Office at 573-681-5085. A representative will make contact with you to receive your payment.