Unused financial aid money (Pell, and TAP)

<p>I am currently registered for classes at the College of Staten Island. My bill was produced, and the payment due was around $2150. My financial aid paid all of it, and was left with approx $200 in unused funds. My questions are do you get that money, and if so, when do you receive it and how? I completed my registration for classes on Wednesday the 28th of May.</p>

<p>Also, during registration, I had only recently filled out my TAP, a day or two before going to the campus and registering for classes. On the 30th, I received an email stating that my TAP application was processed, and upon further investigation, I found out that I was to receive approx. $2000 from it.** But since the TAP application did not get processed until two days after registering for classes, it did not show up on my bill or anywhere. Will I still receive this money from TAP?**</p>

<p>Questions are in bold. Thanks for all the help.</p>

<p>What kind of financial aid was used to pay the bill? </p>

<p>I can't find any info regarding how CUNY budgets & what the policies are for overawards. Once you tell me what kind of aid you had before the TAP, I might be able to give you an idea of what will happen.</p>

<p>I had a Pell Grant.</p>

<p>You could donate it to those of us who don't qualify! j/k. </p>

<p>Actually, I think that you can put some of that towards books/dorming/etc. Check the policy though.</p>

<p>Okay. I was just making sure you didn't have any loans.</p>

<p>I am not familiar with the rules for TAP, and the website for it is not helpful. I will guess, though, that your school probably uses a COA (cost of attendance) that includes a living allowance for those who live with their parents and one for those who live on their own (I'm assuming you don't live in a dorm). In other words, there should be some money in the COA budget for living expenses, even if it's not charged on your tuition bill. Take your COA - your family's Expected Family Contribution (EFC). That is your need up to which Pell <em>can</em> be awarded (Pell amounts vary depending on EFC). Your Pell grant is awarded first. The TAP is awarded after that, so if the COA - EFC - Pell - TAP results in a negative number, your TAP may be reduced. TAP doesn't follow federal rules, so I am only guessing, but I doubt it would be awarded in excess of calculated need.</p>

<p>The best way to know is to call or email your school's financial aid office and ask.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the help.</p>

<p>Can't edit my last post for some reason. But how do I find out the COA?</p>

<p>Usually it is on the financial aid website. However, I checked the site for your school & couldn't find it. It could be on your original award letter. If not, someone in the f/a office can tell you what it is.</p>

<p>Thank you for all the help Kelsmom.</p>