RA's

Paying for College
1

<p>This is actually a hypothetical question, but it's one I've wondered about.</p>

<p>Let's say the COA is 40K and your EFC is 10K. Let's also say that the school met full need and you have a combination of grants and loans. WHat happens if the student becomes an RA and gets free room? Do you think that aid would be reduced by cost of the room or do you think that working as an RA to earn the room would be considered part of the "family contribution" In other words, would the out of pocket costs now be say $5000 or would the grants and loans be reduced.</p>

2

<p>I would think that your "free room costs" would reduce your need by the amount of the room costs.</p>

3

<p>I would also check that you can be an RA as a freshman, which i think you are? i believe most schools only offer that choice to sophmores and older.</p>

4

<p>Most schools do not allow you to be an RA as a freshman. Thumper is correct that becoming a RA will reduce your demonstrated need by the cost of the room and board.</p>

<p>Say for example:</p>

<p>COA = 40,000</p>

<p>EFC = 10,000</p>

<p>Demonstrated need + 30,000</p>

<p>Credit for Room & Board 10,000</p>

<p>balance of need to be met =20,000</p>

<p>Sorry, I don't think anything is going to happen to your EFC</p>