Does Chapman take fin. need into account with housing assignments?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Chapman University
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<p>I was looking at the specific prices for the dorms for last year, and I noticed they vary greatly depending on which hall you're assigned to and which type of dorm (triple/double/single) you get. I love Chapman, and I really want to attend in the fall (I'll be a Freshman) but I'll be going almost (if not entirely) on financial aid and scholarships, and the difference in housing prices might make the difference of whether I can afford to attend or not.
I know Chapman assigns housing based on your FFC, but do they also take financial need into account? And is there any way to know which FFC classes go with which dorms so that I can choose classes for the cheaper dorms?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

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<p>Hi Socalbound,</p>

<p>I think it is too early for you to think about this until you receive your financial aid assistance package in March. The difference in price/cost for the different dorms per year is not significant. Your aid package will depend upon your FAFSA information your family has submitted and will cover this cost of living on campus with a full meal plan. It is very important that if money is a concern that your FAFSA expresses/shows this need and that all the paper work and forms in connection with the FAFSA are turned in as early as possible to maximize your eligibility for aid.</p>

<p>Your Chapman grant has an incentive to live on campus. I have previously confirmed with the Chapman U financial aid office that take they will take away $3000 for your Chapman U Grant if you live off campus (in the adjacent neighborhood). You can still eat on campus at their cafeteria/food venues by buying a commuter plan if you live off campus. It is critical I feel for a freshman at Chapman U to live on campus during this first year when most of the lasting friendships are for your college years.</p>

<p>Financial Aid at Chapman U data from 1-2 years ago:</p>

<p>Students Receiving Aid at Chapman 84%
Receiving Federal Grants 17% , $6,782 on average
Receiving Chapman Grants 79% , $20,136 on average per year
Receiving Student Loans 57% , $6,705 on average </p>

<p>I think many students receive around $28,000 (plus or minus $2,000) per year in aid. This means that students at Chapman U only have to come up with an additional $25,000 in loans and or cash to get to the $53,000 per year (which includes the dorm and meals). This is comparable to what students pay at California State Universities or University of California Campuses.</p>

<p>Although Chapman U cost the same as USC ($55,000 per year) Chapman U grants are so generous they beat out any other University by 3 times the amount per my research. For example USC gives the average student only a few thousand dollars (if you are not in the top 15% of admittees) while Chapman gives the average student in the ballpark of $28,000 a year in aid.</p>

<p>That is why many students whom were accepted at both USC & Chapman U end up going to Chapman. Would you rather pay $27,000/years in loans and cash at Chapman or $52,000/year at USC when you live on campus?</p>

<p>Besides that from what I have been able to determine you probably obtain a better undergraduate education at Chapman U with the small class size and dedicated caring Professors at Chapman. Note all classes at Chapman are taught by professors; not by TAs (graduate student teaching assistants) as is the case at many/most Universities.</p>

<p>There are also many Chapman Scholarships given out: Presidential, Chancellors and Deans Scholarships worth $25,000/year, $20,000 and $15,000 respectively.</p>

<p>My son actually got money back after the freshman fall semester began ($816 back for the first semester) because there are three (3) students living in his dorm room. I guess the price they original charge is based upon 2 students per dorm room. So make sure you have 2 others person living with you in your dorm room besides yourself! </p>

<p>I hope this info is of help to you Socalbound.</p>

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<p>Hi sukahjoy,
Thanks for your help! However, I don’t think you quite understand my question. I understand what you’re saying and how the financial aid system works, but the thing is that the “not significant” difference in pricing between the dorms IS significant for my family. I understand about how much aid I will receive per year with merit, chapman grants, subsidized loans, unsubsidized loans, parent loans, etc., and how much cash I can personally pay. Depending on which hall I’m placed in, I will either be able to afford to attend or not be able to afford to attend–in other words, that 2 or 3 thousand dollar difference in housing will make or break my ability to go. I am not comparing the general affordability of Chapman to other schools–I understand that Chapman gives the best financial aid and is generally more affordable. I also realize that living on campus is cheaper, and I will definitely be living on campus if I go.</p>

<p>My question is, because the difference in pricing between the different halls can make or break my ability to attend, even with all of the financial aid available to me, is there a way to choose which hall I get assigned to? I understand that once I send in my enrollment deposit, I will fill out a survey for housing, and then in July I will find out which dorm I’m assigned to based on my FFC choices. The problem is, if it turns out the dorm I’m assigned to is too expensive, I will be enrolled in a college education and required to pay when I will not be able to. Also, if I know that I CAN choose a cheaper dorm, then I will have a better estimate of how much money I might need to contribute and thus how much I need to earn during the next few months.</p>

<p>So, my questions are: because not every dorm is the same price, does Chapman take financial need into account when assigning dorms? Also, is there a way to know which FFC classes go with which dorm so that I can apply to FFC choices in the cheaper dorms that I will be able to afford?</p>

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<p>When the FFC list comes out, it specifies which residence hall is assigned for each course. So students who want a particular hall should select courses accordingly (I believe you are asked to choose seven possible FFC’s). Also, keep in mind that in the past Henley and Pralle-Sodero have triple occupancy, reducing the cost per student, as sukahajoy pointed out. North Morland is cheaper but has had double occupancy in the past. I suggest that, after you get your financial aid package, you call housing and ask them about the freshman housing plan for next fall. That way you’ll be sure to know which hall to target. Best of luck.</p>

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<p>Thank you! Do you know when the FFC list usually comes out?</p>

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<p>Sending you PM now, socalbound.</p>