Ozanam Scholars

Hi guys.

I was recently admitted into the Ozanam Scholars program at SJU. This program provides a $10,000 scholarship to students under the condition that they dorm for the first two years of college (even if they live close to the campus, which I do) and pay to study abroad for one semester. This $10,000 can be used towards tuition, room and board(which it covers completely), study abroad, etc. I have not yet decided whether or not to accept this scholarship because why would I pay to dorm on campus when I live so close? However, this is a cohort program so I understand why I would need to dorm and I understand the benefits of it.

I guess all I’m really looking for is some advice on how to approach this situation. Does anyone have any experience with something like this? Do you think I should accept the scholarship? My guidance counselor hasn’t been much help because she REALLY wants me to dorm and my parents don’t want me to pay extra so they haven’t been of much help either…

Thank you!