Can you negotiate scholarships with colleges?

I’ve heard people say you can negotiate scholarship offers from colleges. Is that true? How would one go about negotiating scholarships with the admissions or financial aid office? Any personal experiences or advice would be appreciated!

Yes, it's true that scholarships are often negotiable, which colleges term as "appealing your financial aid offer." You appeal to the college's financial aid office for reconsideration of your aid package usually due to changes in your financial situation or when you have better offers from other schools.

Here's how you carry out the process:

1. Investigate Other Offers: If you've received financial aid or scholarship offers from other similarly ranked colleges that are more generous, use these as leverage when appealing to your preferred college.

2. Write an Appeal Letter: Pen a professional, polite letter to the financial aid office. Briefly explain your situation and why you're appealing. This might involve explaining why the current package isn't sufficient, sharing changes in your financial situation, or revealing higher offers from other colleges.

3. Include Documentation: Provide evidence to support your case. For example, include copies of competing financial aid offers, letters outlining changes in your family's financial situation, medical bills, or job loss statements.

After submitting your appeal letter, follow up in a week or so to check on your appeal's progress. While not all colleges will adjust their offers, many do, especially if your situation has significantly changed or their initial offer was not competitive compared to offers from similarly ranked institutions.

Remember, the idea is not to demand more money but to present a case as to why you need more aid to afford attending the institution. With respect and tact, you can effectively negotiate scholarship awards.