(Raleigh, NC) – In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States Congress passed the CARES Act Higher Education Emergency Relief Aid on April 9, 2020 that provides $6.3 billion in direct support to institutions. Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) was one of many institutions that was adversely impacted by the events surrounding COVID-19.

SAU initially launched an emergency fund campaign for alumni, businesses, organizations and other community stakeholders to contribute towards its students’ unmet needs by assisting students financially, with laptops, travel, food and shelter. While this effort was a great step towards addressing the needs of their student body, SAU’s administration recognized the student’s need for financial assistance as a result of their early departure from campus and applied for CARES Act Higher Education Relief Aid.

SAU was recently awarded $1,450,038, which 50% or $725,019 has been designated specifically for student aid. SAU students are currently updating their personal information for the university to disburse funds. The process for awarding funds will begin immediately upon receiving the appropriation from the United States Department of Education.

For questions related to student aid from the CARES Act Emergency Relief Aid, please contact the SAU Office of Scholarships and Student Aid at 919.516.4131 or saufinancialaid@st-aug.edu.