<p>COA is basically an estimation, right? So if you are living with your parents then why is it that on college websites the COA lists Room and Board and Travel estimations under commuter?</p>
<p>Many schools have a required meal plan for commuting students (or they estimate the occasional cup of coffee, lunch, dinner costs), and they estimate travel costs to and from school.</p>
<p>Is it mandatory for commuters to purchase a meal plan?</p>
<p>Not at either of my kid's schools.</p>
<p>At both their schools an average estimated room and board amount is included in the COA for off campus students. If there is any excess aid after school expenses (tuition and fees) are paid then that excess is given to them. They use it to help pay for their rent and food. The amount allowed will be the same whether they live in a roach motel and live on ramen noodles or in a luxury house and eat steak every day.</p>
<p>Haha, is any of the excess aid they use from grants? Or is it just work-study/scholarships?</p>
<p>I hope my posts aren't indicating that I haven't been understanding all of the info I have been receiving in my other threads. If it seems like that, well, I'm just asking to make sure I am understanding.</p>
<p>Some of it is from grants. Grants can cover any cost that is included in the COA. Room and board, travel, miscellaneous etc. are part of the COA. If they were living on campus the grants could be used to pay for room and board. As they are living off campus the grants can be used to pay for rent and food.</p>
<p>The COA for students living with parents is usually lower than for students living on campus. At both my kids school the COA for students living off campus without parents is the same as for students living on campus. In fact I think the COA may even be a little bit higher for off campus students at my son's school. This will vary from school to school.</p>
<p>Edit: Double post</p>
<p>How does the school know if the grants are being legitimately used for a commuter or off-campus student?</p>
<p>If you are attending school and living somewhere (on campus, off campus or with parents), then you legitimately have living expenses. Generally, the COA estimate is lower for a student living with parents than for a student in an apartment or on campus.</p>
<p>The school establishes a cost of attendance for various groups of students. If you fall into a group, you are assigned that "average" budget. Your aid is awarded based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and your COA budget. COA-EFC="need" for need-based aid. Schools can award need based aid up to the "need" (note that it's "can," not "will"). You may receive grants, work study, and loans that total more than your actual charges you owe the school ... you are legitimately allowed to keep that money - it is assumed that you will use those funds to pay for your living expenses, personal expenses, books, transportation, travel, etc. Remember, though, that if you are taking out loans, you will have to pay them back eventually (with interest) - so if you are getting loans, don't borrow any more than you actually need.</p>
<p>Oh ok, they just assume it will be used for the right purposes.</p>
<p>Actually, when you accept your awards you certify that you will use the funds for educationally related purposes. Your word is good.</p>
<p>Ceritfy, hmm, I see.</p>