Living Off Campus and Financial Aid Overview
In general, the cost of attendance used in awarding financial aid does not change if you choose to live off campus, unless you commute from home. It is important to consider all housing options available, and plan accordingly and early. To help with that process we offer more details in the sections below.
If you need help or have any questions about billing or financial aid after reviewing the details on this page, please make an appointment to meet with your financial aid counselor as soon as possible. (Be aware that appointments during March and April are extremely limited due to the first-year awarding cycle).
How Living Off Campus Impacts Financial Aid
The two tables below detail what stays the same and what changes with financial aid and billing for students living off campus
| Living Off Campus and Financial Aid | |
|---|---|
| What Stays the Same? | Why? |
| Cost of Attendance | The Housing and Food expenses included in the cost of attendance for the 9-month academic year for students living off-campus is the same as the average cost of housing for first and second year students living on-campus, and the Tufts Full Plan. |
| Determination of Financial Need | Financial Need is still determined by a review of your aid application. The calculation of Financial Need is the result of subtracting the Tufts Expected Family Contribution from the Cost of Attendance |
| Loan Borrowing Eligibility | Students may generally borrow up to their cost of attendance, less any other financial aid received. Available loan options, eligibility requirements, and borrowing limits vary by student and loan program. Please note that federal student loan eligibility is changing as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OB3). Please visit the Tufts Financial Aid Loans webpage for detailed information about available borrowing options. Loan funds are first applied to your student account balance, and any excess funds may be requested as a refund after the start of each semester to help pay for off-campus living expenses. |
| 529 Plan Eligibility | Many 529 plans allow funds to cover living expenses. Confirm with your plan provider. |
| Living Off Campus and Financial Aid | |
|---|---|
| What Changes? | Why? |
| Cost of Attendance (Commuters) | The Housing expense in the the cost of attendance for students who commute will be lower than that of a student living on or off campus. As a result, the Financial Need will also be lower. |
| Tufts Bill | Tufts will not bill you for a room and typically students choose no meal plan or a very limited one. Undergrads will likely see that their billed charges are less than in past years. All financial aid is applied to billed charges first. What you owe varies based upon your personal financial aid package. |
| Payment of Living Expenses | Instead of paying for living expenses charged on the Tufts bill, you will pay those expenses directly to a landlord and utilities providers. |
Off Campus Off Campus Financial Aid Cost Of Attendance
- The Housing and Food expenses in the cost of attendance for students living off-campus will be the same as the average cost of housing for first and second year students living on-campus, and the Tufts Full Plan.
- Your financial aid eligibility will be reduced if you decide to commute from home, as you will not be paying room charges or rent.
Off Campus Off Campus Financial Aid Billing and Refunds
Billing and Payments
- Tufts will not bill you for a room and typically students choose no meal plan or a very limited one
- Undergrads will likely see that their billed charges are less than in past years.
- All financial aid is applied to billed charges first.
- What you owe varies based upon your personal financial aid package
- Students pay landlord and food costs directly.
Refunds
- Students with financial aid that exceeds billed charges will have a credit they can request as a refund to use for living expenses for the semester.
- Refund requests begin being processed the first day of the semester, processing time may take 7-10 business days
- Students may borrow loans (federal or private) to create a credit that can be requested as a refund for living expenses.
- Tufts does not send money directly to landlords.
Off Campus Financial Aid Budgeting and Planning
Budgeting
- Remember that there are extra costs related to off-campus living, such as deposits, first and last month rent requirements, furniture, storage, and moving expenses.
- Make a budget for the year to help plan for your expenses. When you receive your Financial Aid Notice and your bill in early July, you and your family should sit together and plan how you will meet your tuition and your monthly living expenses for the coming year.
Planning
- You can also get much more information about preparing to live off campus, tenant rights and responsibilities, and other useful resources for renters on the Tufts Off-Campus Housing website.