How to get more scholarship money after an offer from a university?

Applying to College
1

Hi, I got accepted to Georgia State University a while ago. They recently emailed me, saying they were offering me a scholarship. Here’s what it said:

“Congratulations! Your academic accomplishments have made you stand out, and we would like to invest in your future with us by awarding you a scholarship to attend Georgia State University. This does not represent the total of your financial aid package, but rather is an offer we are making because we want you to be a part of our Panther Family.”

They offered me $500 and I was a little shocked because I have a friend who got a $1,000 scholarship, but my academic achievements are similar to his (actually higher) so I assumed I would get at least the same. Is there a way to negotiate a higher award for this scholarship? Or is negotiating only for financial aid packages?

2

No

3

You can contact them and ask if there is more merit aid available. Have your figures ready - how much it costs, how much you have from different sources (HOPE? Pell?).

It won’t work to say “My friend Bob got $1000 and I only got $500.” You need to concentrate on what you got, what you need.

4

@twoinanddone thanks, that makes sense! In this case do I contact the undergrad Admissions office or the Financial Aid office?

5

Merit aid is often handled by the admissions office, so start there.