I have heard that one can bargain with the colleges for a better financial aid package. You can negotiate in some instances, though the media has exaggerated exactly how much leeway there is.
Colleges have the discretion to negotiate only with their own money.
Since most public colleges distribute mainly federal aid, there is generally little to be done there. Some will, and some will not, hinging partly on the strength of the applicant's credentials. Since need-based aid depends on refiling aid forms every year, there is a limit to how much of a guarantee you can get for all four years. If your first-choice university does not make the best initial offer, maybe it will increase its package in response to a better one from a competitor. All rights reserved.