College Student Changes Mind After Parents Pay Deposits, Loses Money
A high school senior committed early to a college 2,000 miles from home, but changed her mind in the spring to stay closer to her family. Her parents had already paid deposits for housing and orientation at the distant school.
A high school senior committed early to a college 2,000 miles from home, but decided in the spring of her senior year that she wanted to stay closer to her family instead. Her parents had already paid deposits for housing and orientation at the distant school.
Students can legally change their minds after committing to a college, even after paying deposits. Schools cannot force students to register and pay tuition. However, most deposits are non-refundable, meaning families lose that money when students back out.
Some colleges may refund deposits in special circumstances, according to online college admissions forums. Students are advised to contact the admissions office directly to ask about getting their deposit back, though success is not guaranteed.
When students change their minds, the original school updates their record to show they withdrew or declined admission. The student is then free to accept admission at another college, though they must pay a new deposit there.
College deposits are typically non-refundable, meaning families can lose hundreds or thousands of dollars when students change their minds. This highlights the financial risk of committing early to schools before students are certain about their choice.
The family will likely contact the college's admissions office to request a deposit refund and formally withdraw.
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