Financial aid for housing confusion?

So, I was originally commuting for NYU and I made this clear on the application and FAFSA-- but the scholarship award I received was under the assumption that I was dorming on campus. I called and cleared things up, and they took away 16K from my award. Can I call back and tell them I’m living off campus in order to get back some of the money they took and maybe take it into consideration (basically consider renting an apartment in Manhattan since I live in Queens)? Thank you all so much for reading!

My understanding is that you need to remain in NYU housing in order to get that part of your award.

Oh, are you sure? My friend commutes but her estimated cost of attendance included dorming and she still gets that part of the award. Hmm, does anyone who commutes know if NYU took that part away when they learned of the living situation?

If $16k a year were taken away ftom my financial aid offer, I would certainly call to have the situation clarified. I do believe that housing does effect offers, but I think it depends on what kind of a gap there was and whether almost all need was met. You need to speak to financial aid directly about your individual situation.