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6 Ways to Negotiate for More College Financial Aid

What if a college doesn't give your family enough financial aid?

This happens to millions of families every year, but what many parents don't understand is that they have the right to request more money from a university.

If you receive an inadequate financial aid package, here are six ways to increase your chances of capturing a better deal:

  1. Don't wait.
    Colleges possess a finite amount of revenue for financial awards and families that appeal early in the process can enjoy a greater chance of success.
  2. Provide extra information.
    Colleges will often be receptive to families, which have encountered adversity after completing their aid applications. If your family has experienced a divorce or separation, a job layoff or high medical bills, tell the school.
  3. Involve your teenager.
    It's best if your child approaches the school and lays out why the family requires more assistance. It can be harder to say no to a teenager.
  4. Try leverage.
    You should tell a school about any award letters from other colleges that are more generous and provide them with copies.
    Some schools are very upfront about their desire to beat other offers. Carnegie Mellon University, for instance, posts this on its website: "We are open to negotiating financial awards to compete with other institutions."
  5. Be specific.
    Don't simply complain to a financial aid officer that you can't afford the school. Be specific about how much it would take to make the cost feasible.
  6. Be diplomatic.
    Don’t use the word "negotiate." Schools routinely review financial aid appeals, but they don't like pushy parents.

Bottom Line:
Whether you are successful in capturing more cash will often depend on how much a school really wants your child. Often the more attractive your child is as an applicant, the better your chances of getting a satisfactory financial aid package.

Union Plus Education Services Can Help Union Families


If you have more questions about planning for college or need help affording it, visit UnionPlus.org/Education. Union Plus provides union families with scholarships, discounts on college test (e.g. SAT/ACT) preparation, education grants and much more.

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