Can a college student claim some of their scholarship money is being used for room & board if they live in an off-campus apartment vs. on-campus housing?

[tlmocz66]

Is there a mileage restriction when claiming scholarship money being used for room & board?  My son lives near his college campus in an apartment but is only 20 miles from home.

[LinaJ2018]

No, he cannot, unfortunately. Room and board is not a qualified education expense.  Scholarship used to cover these expenses is considered as taxable. 

[tlmocz66]

I am aware that scholarship money used for a non qualified education expense is taxable and needs to be shown as unearned income on the student's tax return.  I just need to know if off campus housing is still considered room and board for a college student or if they need to live on campus to count it as college room and board.  Please advise.

[LinaJ2018]

Yes, it can apply to off campus room and board as well unless the scholarship specifies it's for on campus.