<p>Hi I have an EFC of 02856. Right now I'm not paying for my tuition at all because I have the NJ STARS program, Pell Grants, and TAG. </p>
<p>I go to Rutgers University in NJ. Right now I'm commuting but it's a pain in the butt so I was thinking of applying for a dorm next semester. I know I only used 2,383.00 of the 3500 that can be awarded to me for NJ STARS since that is applied after all the other financial aid is applied to my bill every semester.
My question is do you think financial aid will cover housing? I get 1350 in Pell Grants and TAG is like ~2700. Do you think they would increase my grants or just expect me to use the loans that they offer? </p>
<p>Any information you have will really help!
Thank you!</p>
<p>I doubt Rutgers is going to give you any additional free money except maybe the remaining STARS of about 1100.</p>
<p>Or is that 1100 for next semester’s tuition? </p>
<p>Plus…will you also need a meal plan?</p>
<p>Of course, if you go to the dorms NEXT year, you’d have charges for BOTH semeters and that 1100 is not going to go very far. </p>
<p>It’s not a good idea just to rack up loans for a dorm and meal plan if you can commute. How far away do you live? How long does it take to get to school? Can you lessen your commute time by choosing classes that begin and end at times when traffic is lessened? If so, do that.</p>
<p>I get 3500 every semester until I graduate. If I get an on campus apartment I won’t need a meal plan but the apartments cost about a 1000 more…it will be about 7000 a year to live on campus. </p>
<p>I live an hour away from campus. Next year I’m going to be involved in a research study and that’s going to take at least 10 hrs. a week plus my 15 credits. I’m going to be there probably every day all day and the thought of having to drive back home to wake up at 6 am the next morning does not make me a very happy person. </p>
<p>I might just apply for FASFA as if I was going to live on campus and see how much they are willing to give me. I’ll even apply for housing and pay the deposit just so I can see exactly how much I will be paying.</p>
<p>Go ahead and do this…but BE AWARE!!!</p>
<p>Since you didn’t submit FAFSA for last Fall’s semester, you’re going to be given the FULL student loan for the one SPRING semester…which won’t happen next year. Next year, your student loans will be split in half for each semester. So, it may be misleading for you. What may be affordable this semester, may not be next year when your aid has to cover the ENTIRE year. I’m not sure if I’m explaining this clearly.</p>
<p>Are you currently a frosh? If so, then you’ll get up to a 5500 Stafford loan for Spring (because you didn’t borrow anything for Fall…if you had, this amount would be split.)</p>
<p>So, work over the summer to get a little extra money to help pay next year’s costs. You may not need a meal plan, but buying groceries can really add up. </p>
<p>Good luck. Your loans will cover this semester, but make sure that you’ll have next year’s costs covered as well.</p>
<p>Thanks for that information! You’ve been so helpful 
</p>
<p>I’m currently a junior.</p>
<p>OK…so your loan amount could be up to 7500 for next semester. Again, be aware that you may get the full amount for Spring, since you didn’t apply for last fall. But, next year, that 7500 will get split between your 2 semesters.</p>