Oct. 8 Message to Undergraduates: Financial Aid and Spring 2021 Housing

To Our Undergraduates:

Earlier today, you received an update regarding frequently asked housing questions as we prepare for the spring 2021 semester at Case Western Reserve University. I would like to clarify one additional point regarding the financial implications of living off campus.

First, as stated in the message this morning, Case Western Reserve University’s Office of University Housing will not impose penalties on students who wish to leave campus housing because of a change or changes in course delivery or those who choose to move off campus for the spring semester.

Due to federal financial aid regulations, however, we must clarify that students may see changes in their financial aid or scholarship as a result of changes in their housing arrangements. 

The university uses a different “cost of attendance” in calculating the housing expenses relating to a student’s need-based grant; that is, the estimated cost varies depending on whether a student is living on campus, in Greek life housing, off campus or at home when awarding need-based grants. As such, students living off campus may receive less grant assistance compared with a financial aid package that takes into account on-campus living expenses.

Again, I appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work through this process with you. If you have additional questions regarding financial aid, email financialaid@case.edu.

Best regards,

Venus M. Puliafico
Director of University Financial Aid