Client Alert: What Colleges and Universities Can Expect from the American Rescue Plan
Publications
March 15, 2021
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan—his first major legislative proposal since taking office—on Thursday, just one day after the final version of the bill cleared Congress.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 marks the nation’s third COVID-19 stimulus relief package. At $1.9 trillion, the package is more than twice the size of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) passed in December 2020, but slightly smaller than the initial $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020.
While not the largest COVID-19 relief package to date, with roughly $39.6 billion in aid to colleges and universities,[1] the American Rescue Plan directs more money toward institutions of higher education than either of the two previous stimulus packages. This is less than the $97 billion sought by the American Council on Education which nonetheless praised the legislation.[2] The bill commits significant money in direct aid to institutions while also making notable policy changes related to the GI Bill and student loans.
To view the full client alert, click here.
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
Publications
March 15, 2021
President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan—his first major legislative proposal since taking office—on Thursday, just one day after the final version of the bill cleared Congress.
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 marks the nation’s third COVID-19 stimulus relief package. At $1.9 trillion, the package is more than twice the size of the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) passed in December 2020, but slightly smaller than the initial $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in March 2020.
While not the largest COVID-19 relief package to date, with roughly $39.6 billion in aid to colleges and universities,[1] the American Rescue Plan directs more money toward institutions of higher education than either of the two previous stimulus packages. This is less than the $97 billion sought by the American Council on Education which nonetheless praised the legislation.[2] The bill commits significant money in direct aid to institutions while also making notable policy changes related to the GI Bill and student loans.
To view the full client alert, click here.
Related Capabilities
Related Locations
© 2026 Jenner & Block LLP. Attorney Advertising. Jenner & Block LLP is an Illinois Limited Liability Partnership including professional corporations. This publication, presentation, or event is not intended to provide legal advice but to provide information on legal matters and/or firm news of interest to our clients and colleagues. Readers or attendees should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to matters mentioned in this publication or at this event. The attorney responsible for this communication is Brent E. Kidwell, Jenner & Block LLP, 353 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-3456. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Jenner & Block London LLP, an affiliate of Jenner & Block LLP, is a limited liability partnership established under the laws of the State of Delaware, USA and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority with SRA number 615729. Information regarding the data we collect and the rights you have over your data can be found in our Privacy Notice. For further inquiries, please contact dataprotection@jenner.com.
News and Insights
Event
Associate Steven Arango to Speak at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair
On September 18, Associate Steven Arango will speak on a panel at the Veterans' Legal Career Fair (VLCF), the only legal career fair in the United States dedicated to veterans, active-duty service members, and military spouses.
September 18, 2026
Publications
In American Banker, Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon Weighs in on OCC's Handling of Fintech Bank Charter Applications
Partner Laurel Loomis Rimon spoke with American Banker about how the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is approaching bank charter applications from fintechs, amid a growing wave of companies seeking charters from federal regulators.
August 18, 2026
Event
Partner David Greenwald to Speak at PLI Program on Privilege and AI
On August 17, David Greenwald will speak at "Fitting New “Tech” Into the Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Protection," a virtual program hosted by the Practising Law Institute (PLI).
August 17, 2026
Publications
Special Counsel Kimberly Cook Featured in FCBA Member Spotlight
The Federal Communications Bar Association (FCBA) featured Kimberly Cook in its Member Spotlight series.
August 13, 2026
Recognition
Three Jenner & Block Partners Named to Crain's New York Business' 2026 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law List
Crain's New York Business recognized Jenner & Block Partners Anthony Barkow, Alison Stein, and Damian Williams among its 2026 Notable Leaders in Accounting, Consulting & Law.
August 10, 2026