Consumer Law, Warranties Financial Aid from an University

[bananarush]

I just got admitted into a school as a transfer student. The school promises a certain financial aid package for transferring with loans included. So I enrolled and applied to live on campus. The school never told me that there was absolutely no spots left for housing and I had to find an off campus option. I found one within my budget and then signed the lease. After moving in and a few days after my orientation, during the first day of classes, the school changed my financial aid. They reduced the grants because I had chosen to live off campus, as if it were an option. They claimed that the room is much cheaper off campus, but I am a new student and had to find last minute housing. Now with a reduction to my grants, I am short on both rent and food. I have already taken out loans for my tuition and housing, now the school is offering more loans to replace the missing grants, forcing me to be in debt even more. Can I sue the school?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I wouldn't sue the school - it's a bad way to start and also may make you infamous to alumni. Is there truth to what the school is claiming regarding financial aid? Was there anything in the agreement you signed that stated you would receive housing or that it was not contingent on you finding on-campus housing? Before you even consider asking for additional compensation, take a look at the documents (and make sure that the grants were not contingent upon you using school housing.)