<p>ok im attending college, i apply with the FASFA every year and get a decent amount covered and the rest in a couple federal and one personal loan. But I've always wondered if i cut something off my tution like the meal plan or maybe i decide to live off campus, would i still get the same amount of aid?? </p>
<p>like if housing is $4,000 dollars, would i actually save that $4,000 by not living on campus or would the fincial aid works itself to were i still have the same amount to pay in loans??</p>
<p>Most schools have a Cost of Attendance, which includes tuition, room/board, books, etc. The amount of aid you get is based on the COA. </p>
<p>Most schools also have a different COA for living on campus, living off campus, and living at home with parents. So, for example, if your current COA includes $4000 for dorm and meal plan, and you move off campus because you think you can do room & board for $2500 (and save $1500), the school will adjust your aid to reflect their estimate of the cost of living off campus. And yes, you have to let them know.</p>
<p>Sooo-- you could save money, but probably not as much as you thought.</p>
<p>It does vary according to school. At my daughter's school for instance the COA for living on campus is exactly the same as that for off campus. So her financial aid would not change if she moved off campus. </p>
<p>My sons school was very odd in that the COA was actually higher for living off campus (maybe because the dorms were really grotty). I think that is pretty unusual.</p>
<p>So check with your school. You may be able to find the information on the school web site by doing a search for COA or Cost Of Attendance. Otherwise contact your finaid department and ask.</p>