Is it possible to negotiate the school’s offer?
Certainly, but 'negotiate' sets up a 'you versus them' scenario. This mindset to financial aid is often ineffective. Instead, financial aid officers should be your partners rather than adversaries. Here are three tips:
• Explain any special financial circumstances because officers welcome the opportunity to understand your situation beyond the FAFSA and might adjust your package.
• Be creative and collaborate with officers to identify nontraditional aid options such as co-ops, HA positions, work-study, outside scholarships, or shared book programs.
• Develop a financial aid plan with officers that outlines potential aid breakdowns and increased loan amounts over four years.