Does being an RA reduce room and board costs?

I am really hopeful that I will get into Columbia this following year, but in order to go I will need to find a way to pay. I know that the financial aid at CC is great but I have done the net price calculator and the financial aid still will not cover enough to allow me to attend. I am looking for outside scholarships constantly but I was just wondering if being an RA could possibly reduce the cost of attendance.

RA’s get free housing and receive a small stipend However one cannot be an RA until the 2nd year. Additionally, you would need to check with the FA office as to how this would affect your FA package.

skie-europe is correct. Also, be sure to check the outside scholarship info - i think they will use them to first cover workstudy, but I’m not sure. If you get in, you can also reach out to CU financial aid if you have additional complicating circumstances that sometimes NPCs don’t account for.

Also it is typically very very competitive to get a RA position (due to the free housing) so you should not count on becoming a RA when you work out your finances.