<p>sybbie makes a very important point. Never, ever, use the word “negotiate” when talking with financial aid offices. Take it out of your vocabulary. Of course that is exactly what you’re doing, and if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck… But they are very sensitive to being seen as an ordinary business trying to maximize its profits, or to acknowledging the savy consumer can get a better deal.</p>
<p>So when dealing with Financial Aid offices you are trying to appeal your award decision and show them information they may have overlooked. As a practical matter the best way to do that is show them an offer from a competitor and ask if they can make a similar evaluation – but remember, it’s not negotiating.</p>