I understand that pell and map grants are not taxable unless they exceed tuition expenses. Is that the same for these grants? It says they aren't taxable but are there any exceptions like when they exceed tuition?
No. Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) and Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) are not taxable, even if they exceed tuition. The money could be used for personal expenses as well as direct college costs.
page 2 of pub 970:"What's New for 2020 Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act. Emergency financial aid grants under the CARES Act for unexpected expenses, unmet financial need, or expenses related to the disruption of campus operations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, are not includible in your gross income. Because the grant is not includible in your gross income, you cannot claim any deduction or credit for expenses paid with the grant including the tuition and fees deduction, the American opportunity credit, or the lifetime learning credit. See FAQs: Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund and Emergency Financial Aid Grants under the CARES Act."