A common question from families—and what you need to know before making the move
Throughout my years of working with families, one question comes up often:
Will financial aid change if my student moves off campus?
While many colleges require students to live on campus during their first year, it’s very common for students to consider off-campus housing after that. Naturally, this raises concerns about how the change might impact financial aid.
The Short Answer
In most cases:
Need-based financial aid does not significantly change when a student moves off campus
Why? Because colleges include off-campus housing as part of the cost of attendance (COA).
When Financial Aid Can Change
There are a few important exceptions to be aware of:
1. Living at Home
If a student decides to live with family:
- The school will reduce the cost of attendance
- This can lead to lower financial aid eligibility
2. Housing-Specific Grants
Some colleges offer grants tied specifically to:
- On-campus housing
- Residential programs
If a student moves off campus, those funds may be reduced or removed. Continued…
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