How to negotiate financial aid - or is it even possible

[nhdad2012]

@kelsmom

total net cost is the only thing you should discuss if you try to negotiate. You need to determine what you are willing to pay, choose a top school, tell them that cost is very important for your family, and let them know that you have an option that meets your desired cost. Let them know how much you will need to make it possible for your child to attend their school, and be prepared to walk away if you don’t get an increase that works for you.

Thanks…very useful

[blossom]

Take the word “negotiation” out of your vocabulary.

You are asking the FA officer to reconsider, re-evaluate, have a dialogue with you about what you will need to say yes. And I wouldn’t bother with any college where you aren’t committed to say YES on the spot if they do, in fact, reconsider and come up with a package that works for you.

Once you start haggling with more than one school, things go south…

[bxgirl]

I’m in the same stage of the process as you. I’m finding that the school financial aid websites and acceptance materials are very specific about what they will consider. Most won’t negotiate merit. Comb through each specific website and see.