<p>I have heard of people who go in and do this, much like you would the price of a car. But this seems unlikely to me? Would it be possible to bargain with financial aid officers, perhaps compare what they're giving to what a comprable college would be offering?</p>
<p>It depends on the school. Some schools tell you straight up (wesleyan and brown) that they do not negotiate aid. Most schools state that they will give you a financial review (even if it means giving them an offer from a comparable school). Then on the school's end it comes down to a matter of how much they want you. Iif they feel you are a highly desireable candidate -for what ever they consider to be desirable they may give you more money.</p>
<p>schools do not negotiate need based aid against merit aid. It is very unlikely that you will be able to negotiate merit against merit offers.</p>