<p>I applied to UCI and told them that I would be living on campus.
If I change my mind (because living on campus is apparently EXPENSIVE and I can do the 50 min commute) will they take away part of my financial aid money? Thanks for the help</p>
<p>I think it depends on the type of financial aid. You should call their FA office to verify. If it is in the form of a loan, no. If it is a grant or scholarship I think they would adjust it only if the contract specifies that you live on campus. I would just call to get clarification.</p>
<p>Someone else from UCI had this same issue. UCI does reduce aid (but not much) when living at home. For that student, it was still much cheaper to live at home.</p>
<p>What is in your current FA package?</p>
<p>Depends on the schools COA - some schools may have a different COA for students that live off campus, some do not. Some have 3 - on campus, off campus not with parents, off campus with parent (usually the lowest COA). My daughter lives off campus and receives federal grants and her FA is the same as when she lived on campus. She is given a “refund” and uses it for rent etc.</p>
<p>You need to check with them, especially if there is institutional money involved.</p>
<p>The school will adjust their COA - their website should show three different versions (on campus, w/parents, off campus not w/parents). Schools will not award aid in excess of their COA, so a lower COA may result in reduced awards. Call the school to find out what their policy is and what type of aid they reduce first (hopefully loans).</p>