Negotiating funding?

[2019edhopeful]

So I received a hefty scholarship at my second choice program and a tiny one at my first choice (for MA programs). Both have suggested applying for assistantships, but from what I understand, those don't come with a tuition remission for MA students, just a small stipend. Is there any chance of negotiating my funding with my first choice program? Loans aren't an option for me. I'm very grateful for the small scholarship, but there's no way I can ever attend without better funding!

[PsyDuck90]

Does this type of funding exist at all in your top choice? If so, you can politely state "I'm very interested in your program, but another program offered me x amount. Can you match that?" If they just don't give out those kinds of financial awards then they probably won't create one, but if they have with other students then they may try to sweeten the deal for you.

In regards to assistantships and tuition remission, it really depends on the specific assistantship. Some come with tuition remission, others don't.