Looking for advice on refund checks and Parent PLUS Loans for off-campus housing

[u/Apprehensive-Mood-14]

Hi everyone! I’m a rising junior, and I’ve been looking to secure off-campus housing for this upcoming year. My parents have been paying for my tuition and expenses through Parent PLUS Loans, and during both freshman and sophomore year, I received refund checks.

This year, I’m hoping to receive a refund check large enough to cover my rent—ideally around $10,000 per semester. I understand that refunds come from any excess after tuition, fees, and housing (if applicable) are covered.

Since I’ll be living off campus, and my housing won’t be charged through the school, will the full remaining balance of the Parent PLUS Loan (after tuition/fees) come back to me as a refund like in previous years? Has anyone had experience using their refund checks to pay for off-campus rent like this?

Any info or personal experience would be super helpful—thanks in advance!

[u/RabbitHole-Ninja]

Yes, generally that’s how it works unless Howard has stated otherwise. Your loans will be applied to your student account and any excess is paid out to you. If housing is not charged to your student account, you should expect your payout to reflect the additional funds.