School A gave $35k/year, School B gave $50k. I prefer A. Can I ask them to match?
Got into two schools with similar cost of attendance (both around $85k). School A gave $35k/year in grants, School B gave $50k/year. I like A more, it has my major and I loved the campus.
Is it actually possible to ask A for more money? Is that rude? Will they rescind or something? My parents don't want to rock the boat but $15k a year is $60k total.
Nothing has changed with our finances since we filed, so I don't have a special circumstance. Just the other offer. School B is also ranked a little higher, if that matters for leverage.
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It is possible, it is normal, and asking politely will not cost you your admission. Most schools have a formal appeal process, often a form on the financial aid site.
How to do it:
1. **Find the process.** Search "[school] financial aid appeal" or "professional judgment." Some schools say outright that they will review competing offers. Some say they do not match.
2. **Compare the right numbers.** Look at grants and scholarships only (not loans or work-study) and the net cost of each school.
3. **Write a short, factual request:** you are excited about A, here is School B's offer (attach it), here is the gap, and is there anything A can do. Mention any change in your family's finances too.
4. **Be patient and flexible.** Some schools adjust, some do not. A partial increase is common.If you have special circumstances (a job loss, medical bills, a sibling's tuition), those carry more weight than a competing offer at many schools.
Do it soon. Appeals go faster in April than right before May 1.