Show the Schools Each Others' Offers
Request Financial Aid Reviews
Always ask for a financial aid review if circumstances change, as some universities have special committees for reviewing financial aid in situations where, say, a parent recently lost a job, Campbell says. The committee discusses everything from additional Pell to University Grant Eligibility based on the individual's circumstances, she says. When possible, a revised financial aid package is offered afterward. If changes in family finance are a part of the discussion, be prepared to show proof, Stroble says. Examples of documentation are layoff letters or a recent paystub that shows reduced income.
Ask for In-State Tuition
If accepted into an out-of-state school, contact the office and say, "We've only saved for in-state tuition. Can you do a match?" Campbell says. An out-of-state public school may budge on tuition if they're trying to get more students from a certain region. At Campbell's school, a student was able to get in-state tuition at an out-of-state public school just by asking that question. While not a negotiation tactic, remember that public schools in neighboring states may have programs in place for reduced tuition from normal out-of-state rates, she adds.
Try for Leadership Scholarships
If your student is a future president of the United States, have her ask the financial aid office about leadership scholarships, Campbell says. Scholarships are generally limited to three to five full-boat scholarships per university, she says. These are generally available at both state and private schools. Your kid could be a good candidate if she is active in the community and in student council, she says.
Ask About Departmental Scholarships
Major-specific scholarships can help fill financial aid gaps, Campbell says. If your teen will be an art major, see if there are any departmental scholarships in the art department, she says. Be prepared to help your kid write scholarship essays if needed. Remember to ask about these as soon as possible. Each scholarship could have different application deadlines. Also, remember to ask about future deadlines. It's entirely possible that, while a fall semester deadline may have passed, the spring deadline is still coming.
Don't Stop After Your Kid's First Year
"So many students get one-time awards their freshman year and then never reopen the financial aid discussion," Stroble says. "Have meetings with financial aid officiers every year to discuss financial aid." The bonus to reviewing financial aid annually is that your student may be a better candidate for scholarships if he gets better grades in college than in high school. "There are specific scholarships for upperclassmen, just as there are for freshmen and sophomores," Stroble says, "and you have to apply for them." You may not get scholarships your first or second year, but they still could come in year three or four.
Ask a High School Counselor
Start communicating with your teen's high school counselor as early as possible, and continue the communication after receiving your financial aid award letter. "They're going to have a better idea than probably anybody else about community scholarships," says Stroble. For instance, you may live in Atlanta, but your counselor may know about a scholarship from the home builders' association in Birmingham, where your teen will attend college.
