Negotiating packages?

[Beamom712]

<p>My daughter got offered $18K merit award and some extra for honors program at Seattle U and 10K at American. She really wants to go to American, and it is a MUCH better program for her. However, that 8-10K really makes a difference since DH is only a year away from retirement and it's either I take on a third job to make it work or she can't go at all to American. Has anyone ever negotiated their award? According to FAFSA, we're considered "high income" but we support my adult stepson who is on the autism scale, and that does not show up (his mother claims him -- we help her out too). </p>

<p>I was thinking of contacting the office at American -- has anyone ever tried this avenue, and most importantly -- did it work???</p>

[thumper1]

<p>These sound like merit awards. Merit awards are given based in each school’s criteria for awarding them. You can ask them to review, but if this is based on academic merit, it may be that this student receiving what each school feels she should get.</p>

<p>Regarding need based aid…if you are providing significant support for your stepson, you could ask American to do a special circumstances consideration. This would require you to show them exactly what you paid and why this was necessary. Each school handles these special circumstances situations for need based aid on a case by case situation. Each school has its own procedure for these reviews. Contact American U to see their process.</p>