Can I convince my first choice to increase their offer so I can afford to go there?

Paying for College
1

<p>Though it's not technically my first choice, I'm awaiting answers from three schools who are intense reaches--I don't expect a yes from any of them. Therefore, it's probably my first choice.</p>

<p>I'm looking at two schools right now, both close enough that I can drive to them from home, both private. </p>

<p>School A:
$28,000/year tuition.
I was offered a $16,000/year scholarship plus some loans, for a total package of $25,500. Impressive, though I'm trying to base this mostly off of scholarships. Seems to me that they add the loans to make the package seem more impressive (though maybe I'm wrong; please let me know if I am!).
The $16,000/year scholarship isn't their highest scholarship they offer, but the higher ones are extremely competitive. The scholarship offer, I think, is generous.</p>

<p>Without the loans, the final cost is: $12,000</p>

<p>School B (which is the one I really want to go to):
$35,000/year tuition.
I was offered a $12,000/year scholarship (which is the biggest scholarship amount they give out; that might be important information, I'm not sure). Also an $8,050 grant; for a total of $20,050 of "free money"; also a Fed Stafford Loan of $5,500 (which makes their total package, strangely enough, $25,550; only a $50 difference from School A.)</p>

<p>Without the loans (School B also mentioned that I'm eligible for loans that pay up to the rest of the cost--why would they list a loan on there, then???), School B leaves me a total of: $14,950</p>

<p>No, $3,000 isn't a huge difference--but it is $12,000 difference overall, which is significant. My question is: What can I do to make up this difference? </p>

<p>Should I go to School B (once I've heard from the other schools, probably) and ask them if they can increase my offer? At least to match the other school's? I haven't really talked to my parents about this because neither one of them understands this process at all; if they saw either of the 12K or 15K numbers they'd flip out and send me to community college...this is probably something I need to figure out on my own (they will be helping with loans and all; they just won't be happy about it). Do I stand a chance of having School B increase my offer?</p>

<p>While I know I'm lucky to get so much financial aid, it's still simply not enough. I don't even think I can afford to pay 12K/year; 15K is probably out of the question...especially if there's another offer that's cheaper.</p>

<p>If anyone has any ideas, please let me know! Tips on talking to my parents about this wouldn't hurt either. :)</p>

2

<p>You can ask; the worst they can do is say no. But don't expect much. The idea that colleges will match another school's offer is more urban myth than reality. It happens most often if a student has a particular talent that the school really needs. It is not the usual course of events.</p>

<p>Many students are now in your situation (and many have been even when the economy was good) - they get aid but still cannot afford to go to their top choice. Many end up at an affordable school, get a good education, and find that they are quite happy there anyway, particularly without the added stress of finding money.</p>

3

<p>First of all, it doesn't hurt to ask. The worst they can do is say "no".</p>

<p>My Son sent a "no thanks" to a school. They called and asked why. I told them it was $$$'s. $15k/yr $$$'s. They said to send them a copy of the other school's FA Award Letter, and he would take it to he FA Dean to see what else they could do.</p>

<p>So, my suggestion is:</p>

<p>Write a letter to School B saying you really want to go. Tell them School A costs $x, and offered you $y, making it $w (before loans) and $z (after loans) to attend. Ask them if there is anything else they could do. The better School A is (at least as good as School B, or Better), the more success you may have.</p>

4

<p>I have another thought...First, try Operadad's idea & write (so you say all you need to say in an intelligent manner) then follow up with a phone call...say did you get my letter...and feel out the situation. Second, If this does not work or is not well received, consider living on campus. If you have financial need, it may actually come out better costwise for you to live on campus. Discuss this possibility with the school's financial aid folks. Maybe have both schools refigure your financial aid package based on living on campus.</p>

5

<p>Of course you can ask. But this may be the decision you have to make. Many kids are put in this situation each year.</p>