<p>If I'm not sure whether or not I am going to live on-campus of with my parents for a couple of schools, is it all right to select "on campus" and see what the aid will be like before making a decision?</p>
<p>Also, what happens to my financial aid if I select "on-campus" now and decide later that I don't want to live on campus?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>It’s okay to change your mind later but your FA package may be adjusted. This is because your COA would go down if living with parents. COA - EFC = need, and schools won’t award FA in excess of need (other than merit aid and Pell, which is an entitlement).</p>
<p>It depends on the school. My U doesn’t adjust aid if off campus. Select it for now and change later if you don’t want to live on.</p>
<p>Okay, thank you!</p>
<p>All the colleges I’m applying to are in California (state schools+USC). So, if anyone has any specific information about these schools, please let me know!</p>
<p>Since the financial aid would decrease, would the school probably take away grants/scholarships and leave me with mostly loans? That’s what I’m afraid of…</p>
<p>Also, do UC’s tend to award scholarships in their financial aid packages…and when do this information get to you after you’ve been accepted?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Financial aid would decrease because your need would decrease if living at home. It’s not punishing you for living at home - it’s adjusting to need. </p>
<p>Merit scholarships are usually based solely on grades and scores, and would not change based on living in a dorm or commuting.</p>
<p>And yes, some schools base their financial aid on what you need after Stafford loans. That also is fair, though unpleasant. You are getting an education, and the school expects you to pay for it, like you pay for any other product. My auto dealer, for example, will not sell me a car for a lower price because my income is less than another customer.</p>