My daughter applied for FAFSA months before the semester began, but it kept getting returned three separate times for a date-of-birth error that we had to call and fix each time. By the time her FAFSA finally processed just three days before classes we finally learned what her loans and scholarships would be, and it wasn't enough to afford attendance.
We had already paid a $300 housing deposit to hold her spot (which we understood at the time was for housing, not enrollment). When we realized she couldn't afford to attend, we immediately unenrolled before classes even began.
Despite that, OSU is now charging her a $250 "late withdrawal" fee and an additional $42 overnight stay fee that was added a month later.
I've spoken to multiple departments and no one is willing to remove these charges -- even though the entire situation stemmed from FAFSA delays and financial hardship, not neglect or intent to misuse university resources.
It's disheartening to see a large, well-funded university insisting on fining a student who simply couldn't afford to attend due to financial aid timing. This feels wrong and deeply unfair, and I hope OSU will reconsider how it handles cases like hers in the future.
BUYER BEWARE they will tack on many fees. read more