<p>So UCLA estimates annual costs to be $26,524.
I got financial aid and loans for that amount.</p>
<p>However, I am going to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan, which is $885.
If I waive it, and am not charged that $885, does that mean my refund will be greater?
Or will they just readjust their annual cost estimate and reduce my aid accordingly?</p>
<p>Also, UCLA's annual cost estimate assumes that one will have a triple residential plaza with a private bath and 19P, the highest meal plan (which is precisely what I have). If I get a triple res. hall which will be more than $2,000 less per year, does that mean my refund will be increased? or will they readjust my cost estimates and reduce my aid?</p>
<p>My objective is to maximize my refund.</p>
<p>[[ And by the way, if anyone (a male) with a residential hall triple/double (or even a shared bath plaza, which is still slightly cheaper) wants a Sunset Village triple with a private bath, then please let me know because I don't want to spend the extra money on my plaza. ]]</p>
<p>And VTECaddict, If I maximize my refund then that means im saving money. And I can apply my refund amount toward paying down loans or a laptop or something. But yes I see what you’re saying, it would be better to just reduce my expenses along with my loans/aid.</p>
<p>This is the best idea - anything you haven’t used at the end of the year, send back to the lender - there aren’t any penalties for paying loans back early.</p>
<p>Well, it’s always better to borrow less in the first place than to borrow more and pay back the extra since there’s interest involved (except for subsidized loans). Just don’t go crazy and blow all the refund on stuff you don’t need. ;)</p>