Auburn University will receive more than $15.6 million in federal stimulus aid, and a minimum of $7.8 million is going toward emergency financial aid and grants for students, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

The money comes from a $13.95 billion Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund that stems from the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, which was passed by congress on March 27.

The allocations for universities were calculated based on the number of Pell Grant recipients, full-time undergraduate and graduate students and non-Pell students. 

The act also halted student loan payments for six months and paused interest accrual on those loans.

Brian Keeter, executive director of public affairs for Auburn University, said Auburn will use the stimulus aid that it has been allocated based on "consultation with campus governance groups."

“Auburn leadership will strategically direct coronavirus relief funds to areas of most need with a particular emphasis on supporting students, faculty and staff," Keeter said.