Can I back out after paying college deposit? FAFSA aid package isn't enough for Fairfield

yeah, you can definitely back out. you'll lose the deposit tho. that's literally what the deposit is for - to make sure ppl think twice before backing out. but it happens all the time, colleges expect a certain % of students to do this

Really? So they won't blacklist me or anything? I'm so worried they'll do something to hurt my chances at other schools.

I went through something similar with Northeastern last year. You absolutely CAN back out, but you need to contact the admissions office immediately. The deposit is non-refundable though - that's the point of it. It's basically the cost of changing your mind.\n\nRegarding your FAFSA, backing out of Fairfield won't affect your eligibility at all! Your FAFSA information is sent to all the schools you listed on your application. Each school then puts together their own aid package. Have you already been accepted to other schools with better financial aid offers?

I got accepted to 3 other schools but Fairfield was my first choice. State University offered me way more aid, but I was so excited about Fairfield I didn't really compare the final numbers carefully. This is such a mess... I feel so stupid.

Don't be so hard on yourself! This happens to SO many students. The financial aid system is incredibly complicated, and the excitement of acceptance letters can definitely cloud judgment. Have you contacted Fairfield's financial aid office to appeal your package? Sometimes they have additional institutional funds they can offer if you explain your situation.

I'm a financial aid counselor at a different university. Here's what you need to understand:\n\n1. Yes, you can absolutely back out. The deposit is non-refundable, but that's your only obligation at this point.\n\n2. This will NOT affect your FAFSA eligibility elsewhere. Your Student Aid Index (SAI) remains the same regardless of which institution you attend.\n\n3. You should immediately contact any other institutions where you were accepted to confirm they still have space and aid available. Some may have already filled their incoming class.\n\n4. Before making any decisions, I strongly recommend appealing your financial aid package at Fairfield. Call their financial aid office and explain that you want to attend but the current package makes it financially impossible. Be specific about the gap between what you can afford and what they're offering.\n\n5. Get everything in writing when you do decide to back out. A formal email withdrawal is sufficient.\n\nFeel free to ask any other questions!

Thank you SO much for this detailed response! This makes me feel much better. I'll definitely try appealing the aid package first, but it's good to know I have options. Do I need to use any specific language when appealing the financial aid decision?

For your appeal, be direct and specific. Explain that you want to attend Fairfield, but the current $29,000 gap makes it financially impossible. If your family's financial circumstances have changed since filing FAFSA (job loss, medical expenses, etc.), definitely mention that. Provide exact numbers about what you can realistically afford per year. Also mention any better offers from comparable schools without sounding like you're trying to negotiate. The tone should be respectful but honest about your financial reality.

This happened to my daughter last year!!! We put down $500 at her dream school then got the FAFSA package and it was TERRIBLE. We tried for weeks to get them to improve the offer but they wouldn't budge. We ended up backing out and going with her second choice school. Honestly it worked out better anyway, she LOVES where she is now. But yeah we lost that $500 deposit 😤

I back out of my commitment to Georgetown after I realized my financial aid package wouldn't cover enough. Don't feel bad about it - you have to make the decision that's financially sustainable for your future. \n\nOne thing to note: if you've already completed loan counseling and signed a Master Promissory Note for federal loans through Fairfield, you'll need to complete those steps again for your new school. It's not a big deal, just something to be aware of.\n\nYou should also check if you completed a CSS Profile for Fairfield. Some schools require this in addition to FAFSA, and it affects institutional aid (which is often a bigger piece of the puzzle than federal aid). If your other schools require CSS Profile and you haven't submitted it yet, do that ASAP as institutional funds can run out.\n\nGood luck!

Thank you! I did fill out the CSS Profile for Fairfield (it was so much more detailed than the FAFSA!). The other schools I applied to only required FAFSA. I'll definitely keep the loan counseling thing in mind if I switch schools.

i lost my $700 deposit at UCLA when i backed out. it stung but i had to make the smart financial decision. colleges understand this happens all the time. what's $650 compared to taking on an extra $100K+ in debt over 4 years? easy choice imho

Try calling Fairfield's financial aid office directly to discuss your options before making any decisions. I spent WEEKS trying to get through to my daughter's financial aid office last spring, constantly getting disconnected or waiting on hold for hours. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get us a callback from an actual financial aid agent who helped adjust her package by finding additional grants she qualified for. Saved us thousands! They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ\n\nEither way, you're not locked in just because you paid a deposit. That's just the cost of changing your mind.

Thanks for the suggestion! I've been trying to call them but keep getting voicemail. I'll check this out - anything that helps me actually talk to a real person would be great right now.

Bruh everyone saying you can back out BUT CHECK THE FINE PRINT on what you signed!!! Some schools have language in their commitment forms about penalties beyond just losing your deposit. My cousin thought he could back out no problem and ended up with a mark on his record that other schools could see. Not trying to scare you but read everything carefully!!

This is not accurate information. The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) has clear guidelines that prohibit colleges from penalizing students who choose to attend elsewhere after May 1. There are no

ok maybe my cousin was lying to save face then lol. just sharing what i heard, my bad

Update: I called Fairfield's financial aid office and explained my situation. They're going to review my package but warned me not to expect major changes. I'm also reaching out to my second choice school to see if they still have space and what aid would be available. Thanks everyone for the advice and support! I'll let you know what happens.

Good steps! When you speak with them again, be very specific about the financial gap and what you need. Sometimes saying

Hey MoonlightSonata! I'm glad you took action and called Fairfield's financial aid office. That shows real maturity in handling this stressful situation. While you're waiting to hear back from them, I'd also suggest reaching out to your other accepted schools ASAP - not just your second choice. Sometimes schools have additional aid available later in the cycle as other students decline their offers. Also, don't forget to ask about payment plans or work-study opportunities that might help bridge any remaining gap. You're absolutely making the right moves by exploring all your options before committing to a financial burden that could impact you for years. Keep us posted on how things develop!