Im trying to enroll in a community college at San Diego from out of state?

Question

I was wondering if my FASFA will covered the room and boards if I was an out of state students, since community college doesn't offer dormitory, I would need to rent a room, which cost alot.. So I was wondering if Financial aid will cover that part, since im and independent student, not living with my parents. ANd up to how much will the financial package will covered?

Answer 1

Your first question is yes, the FAFSA is used to assist in determining Federal Funding (Title IV).  So it doesn't matter what state the school is in.  Now for the rest of your question,

the FAFSA results in an EFC.  That will determine your eligibility of Title IV funding.  You are not entitled to less or more based on, on or off campus living.  That simply affects the resulted EFC.  

If your school allows for XS funds or the option to manage your own loan account, if you qualify for more title IV than is needed for your tuition, you will be able to use the excess funds for room, board and living expenses.  For example, if you are awarded the maximum amount with an EFC of 0, Full Pell, Full FSEOG, ACG, Full Stafford (Based on Grade level 1) and Perkins Loan, you will be eligible for a maximum of $18,910.00  However, this never happens, as many funds such as Perkins, ACG and FSEOG are coming from a limited fund pool to begin with.  Realistically, with an EFC of 0-100, you are looking to receive around $11,310.00  This is an estimate, only.  Your tuition equals X.  Subtract X from $11,310.00 (if this were the awarded amount) and whatever the remainder is, is the money you can apply toward room and board.  

Few things to remember:

1.If your school does not have XS Funds, or will not certify anything over direct cost of attendance, you will get nothing.

2.If you do receive anything over the direct cost of attendance, that money is given to you in loan format.  It means you will be paying it all back with the possibility of very high interest rates.  Alot of times, it isn't worth it.

3.  The amount you will receive is all dependent on your EFC and overall need.  No one but your financial aid officer with exact numbers can tell you what you are going to receive, we can only estimate.

Also, I am not sure what the specific requirements are as far as residency, but be sure to ask about Cal Grants A, B and C!!

I wish you the best of luck!