Financial aid on campus vs. off campus?

Question

Hi, I was wondering if I put "off campus" for my financial aid application and then switch to "on campus," if it matters, and if I have to inform them?

I've not sure what my living situation is going to be yet next semester (it's a long story, not gonna get into it). As of now it's "off-campus," but I was considering moving on campus.

If you live off-campus at my school, they give you the money, but I think for the on-campus housing, they give the money directly to the school. So if I move on campus after being on campus, I will just take the check and give it to the school when I move into the dorms.

Thank you in advance.

Answer 1

Schools have to have a Cost of Attendance budget for their students that includes things like tuition, fees, books, transportation and living expenses. The cost of living off campus is often different than the cost for on campus, so schools usually have different budgets for each. The question on the FAFSA doesn't directly affect the amount of federal aid you receive, but it does help the school set up the appropriate budget for you. Your federal aid will be the same either way, unless you exceed your cost of attendance budget. However, schools often award different amounts of their own aid to students who are off campus or on campus, so it could affect the amount you receive there.



You don't receive a check simply because you live off campus. The school deducts its own charges from the amount of aid you have been awarded. If there is money left over, then the difference is refunded back to the student to be used for other expenses. Students who live off campus will have lower charges because they don't owe the school for room and board, so they typically are more apt to receive a refund that can then be used for off campus housing. But, because their expenses are lower, off campus students typically also receive less aid. So, you can't assume that the amount of funding you will have available for housing will be the same for on campus as it would be for off campus.



Your financial aid office may be able to give you an estimate of what you can expect, so it would be a good idea to make an appointment with them so you have no surprises later on.