WPI Distributes Federal CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants

Dear WPI Community,



Worcester Polytechnic Institute is committed to providing emergency financial aid to students during the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the recently passed federal legislation known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, WPI has received approximately $1.4 million that must be granted directly from WPI to students as emergency financial aid. This funding will help eligible students offset their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care expenses.



Beginning the week of May 18, 2020, all eligible undergraduate and graduate students, including graduating seniors, will receive a one-time grant of $300. Eligible students are those who 1) are enrolled for classes for the Spring 2020 Term, 2) are Title IV eligible, and 3) have filed a 2019-2020 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the last day of D Term, May 13, 2020. 



In order to provide grants to students as quickly as possible, it is imperative that all eligible students sign up for direct deposit through their CashNet portal (where students view and pay their student account eBills). If students do not update or sign up for direct deposit by Monday, May 18th, they will receive a physical check sent to their home address on file with WPI. 



Students may also apply for an additional emergency grant. The application will be reviewed by the Student Affairs and Financial Aid Offices.  Additional grants will be awarded to students on a case-by-case basis and determined by demonstrated need and a review of their Federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The number of students who will receive an additional grant will be subject to the availability of funds.  These additional grants will not exceed $500 per student.  



Students may apply for the additional emergency grant between Friday, May 15, 2020 and Friday, May 22, 2020. 



Please visit our Federal CARES Act Emergency Financial Aid Grants FAQ for more information.



As always, for any questions about financial aid or emergency assistance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at finaid@wpi.edu. 



Sincerely,



Jessica Sabourin

Director of Financial Aid