“The COVID-19 relief measure approved by Congress today and headed for President Biden’s signature is a win for students and higher education institutions hit hard by the pandemic. The nearly $40 billion included for students and campuses will be enormously helpful, but this emergency is not over for either higher education or the country as a whole. There remain many pressing problems, including students and families struggling to cope with lost jobs or reduced wages and colleges and universities battered by steep declines in revenues and soaring new expenses.
Based on our most recent estimate, students and institutions need at least $57 billion in additional relief. We will continue to encourage the Biden administration and lawmakers to fully address the challenges students and colleges and universities face as future stimulus measures are considered.”