Ha, this is a problem between a person and an institution. No institution-institution or person-person dilemma. The impact of this situation is much bigger on the person (me) than on the institution. The same applies if the error had been in their favor. They’re after me because it’s a legal issue, not because they need the money.
Have you considered this as a published story in the media if say, an undocumented dreamer or other 540 type refuses to pay back an overpay for a top cali public? Imagine your quote “not because they need the money.”,
I think that it would go over big with the California taxpayers that are subsidizing his education
You received money to which you were NOT entitled. You need to pay it back. It does not matter where the fault lies.
Come on…are you saying you didn’t KNOW that you were getting more in a refund than you were entitled to? If so,you need to keep better books yourself.
You owe the money. Pay it back.
First, the AB 540 situation is irrelevant. There’s no fund financing the waivers, as they are not the same as financial aid awards. They /waive/ the extra tuition. Second, I contributed to 40% of my financial aid package this year in the form of scholarships and I have done similar in the past years. I could have just received more federal, state or university grants.
Lastly, as I have said before, I will be forever grateful of the opportunity to attend UC Berkeley on full financial aid. And if you need more details I already agreed to pay half of the overpaid amount now and am working on a fair solution for the other half, such as increasing my package in the form of loans to make up for the remaining amount or delaying the payment.
You’re arguing that you should be able to keep something that was never yours. Your position is both unethical and dishonest.
Grow up. It’s not your money.
Paying half now and coming up with a solution for a balance sounds like a good first step. But you need to take a deep breath if you’re going to learn from this experience. Resenting the institution which has made your education possible is a bad way to head into adulthood.
Thank you, blossom.
Rooting for you RRalco.
You are working with the school to reconcile this…and that is what matters. Sure…it stings to receive money…and then have to give it back. Really stings.
I’m sure your school will work with you to formulate a good plan.
Good luck.
Where did the refund money go? It’s only been a month since you received it?
In almost all cases, and definitely in the case of University of California, you are obligated to repay any money you received but to which you were not entitled. This includes where the university made a mistake. Legally as well, you have no leg to stand on. You share responsibility for knowing how much you should receive.
You can arrange a repayment schedule and I imagine they will agree. But under UC rules, they can refuse to grant you any further FA until you have returned an overpayment.