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HEERF Allocation Summary

Distributed in three phases over the course of 2020-21, UTSA received an estimated total of $176.4 million in federal HEERF funding. For each allocation, institutions were required to designate a percentage of funds to emergency student financial aid and grants.

HEERF 1 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act)

$14.8M Institutional Support
$14.8M Student Financial Aid
$2.2M HSI Support*
$31.8M Total Funding

HEERF 2 The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA Act)

$34.7M Institutional Support
$14.8M Student Financial Aid
$3.2M HSI Support*
$52.7M Total Funding

HEERF 3 The American Rescue Plan (ARP)

$43.1M Institutional Support
$43.5M Student Financial Aid
$5.3M HSI Support*
$91.9M Total Funding

*Universities with the Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) designation such as UTSA received additional targeted support from the U.S. Department of Education’s Strengthening Institutions Program. UTSA is using these funds for online research technology infrastructure, student grants and classroom upgrades for digital modalities.

How UTSA Used Institutional Support Funds

Beyond the funds designated for student emergency financial aid, UTSA utilized institutional support funds to provide student refunds, specialized grants and more emergency aid. Institutional funds were also used on a wide variety of student success initiatives to help with remote learning, technology needs, mental health and physical infrastructure for in-person learning activities.

HEERF 1 - $14.8M

Item Percent Amount ($)
Institutional Support 100% 14,828,443
Additional student aid grants 39% 5,843,837
Partial reimbursement of housing refunds 28% 4,142,478
Technology grants 20% 3,033,500
Athlete COVID-19 testing 6% 946,000
Technology infrastructure 6% 862,628

HEERF 2 - $34.7M

Item Percent Amount ($)
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT 100% 34,738,590
Additional student aid grants 26% 9,041,850
Virtual desktop interface/Wi-Fi support 21% 7,200,000
Renovations for digital/hybrid instruction delivery 17% 6,000,000
Remote workforce equipment upgrades 9% 3,000,000
Indirect cost recovery 7% 2,283,000
Emergency management expenses 6% 2,000,000
Building repairs to improve airflow 6% 2,000,000
Technology grants for new students 5% 1,663,740
Temporary help for student services offices 1% 500,000
Online course instructional designers 1% 500,000
Student support - medical services 1% 300,000
Student support - online tutoring 1% 250,000

HEERF 3 - $43.1M

Item Percent Amount ($)
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT 100% 43,094,802*

*Line item detail will be available soon

Report and Disclosure

Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund Reporting


HEERF Student Aid Disclosure

Emergency Financial Aid Grants to Students

The University of Texas at San Antonio
Report and Disclosure
As of February 1, 2021

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) acknowledges it signed and returned to the U.S. Department of Education the Certification and Agreement on April 13, 2020, and gives the assurance that UTSA has used more than 50% of funds received under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act to provide Emergency Financial Aid Grants to students.

  1. The total amount of funds UTSA received on May 1, 2020, from the U.S. Department of Education for distribution to students, is $14,828,444.
  2. The total amount of Emergency Financial Aid Grants distributed to students under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act as of February 1, 2021, is $14,828,444.
  3. The estimated total number of students at UTSA eligible to participate in programs under section 484 in Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and thus eligible to receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants under section 18004(a)(1) of the Cares Act is21,486*.
    *The number of eligible students excludes those ineligible for Title IV aid (e.g., non-degree seeking students, non-U.S. citizens, not meeting satisfactory academic progress, not in default for any federal student loans) as well as those enrolled exclusively in online programs prior to March 13, 2020, which the U.S. Department of Education deemed ineligible to receive CARES Act funds
  4. The total number of students who received an Emergency Financial Aid Grant under section 18004(a)(1) of the CARES Act is 15,304.
  5. The methods used to determine which and how many students receive Emergency Financial Aid Grants are as follows. UTSA created an online grant application in which each student indicated:1) whether they had been impacted financially by the Coronavirus, 2) whether they submitted a FAFSA or completed the attestation certification on the online emergency aid application and 3) what specific financial needs they have in each area (food-related expenses, housing-related expenses, course-related expenses, technology-related expenses, health/childcare-related expenses). The Financial Aid & Scholarships office evaluated the applications based on the information provided, and they awarded funds based on each student’s identified needs and the availability of funding. Provided that the students were eligible to receive funds and identified legitimate needs, grants of up to $1,500 were automatically approved for the Spring and Summer 2020 semesters. To ensure the availability of funds for as many needy students as possible, mid-level managers and senior administrators reviewed requests exceeding $1,500 to determine the necessity for and feasibility of providing larger awards. For Fall 2020 students who had not previously received CARES funding in Spring or Summer, 2020 will receive a maximum of $600. Students who previously received CARES in Spring or Summer 2020 and who request additional funding in Fall will receive a maximum of $300. To assist students who are still experiencing difficulties due to the pandemic, we increased the grant amount for Spring 2021 up to $3,620 based on students’ identified needs and the availability of funding, provided that the students were eligible to receive the funds.
  6. The instructions, directions, or guidance provided by UTSA to all students concerning the Emergency Financial Aid Grants are: