one of my good friends was on a graduate student admission committee at Fletcher School and she said ALWAYS ask for more money. She said that there is absolutely no harm asking for more money, because once you're admitted all they can say is no. She said that because some admitted students decline offers, that pot of money is then open to give to those admitted already. So ask away, as long as you are polite! Especially if you have a better financial offer somewhere else, you can always word it: "Thank you very much for offering me admissions to BLANK program. I am excited about the opportunity! However, I have been offered significant financial aid at another institution, and though I feel that your program is a better fit for me, I am concerned that I will not be able to afford it." I don't think emailing is bad at all, in fact, I prefer it because you can come across as more professional via email (unless youre great at talking on the phone, which I am not!). Good luck!!