Partial funding...any way to increase it??

[poohpooh]

Hi all,

I've been accepted to 4 programs. 3 of them with full funding offers, and 1 of them with partial funding (tuition only for first 2 yrs + full funding for the rest). The thing is, I really want to accept this last program, even though it comes with a partial funding.

I know the professors at this program very well, so I'm tempted to plead them to increase my funding. But at the same time, I don't want to appear ungrateful...

Is it acceptable to negotiate my funding options, once I get admitted to a graduate program? If it is, how should I go about doing this? I'd appreciate your feedback, thanks!

[LJK]

I totally understand that money is awkward. I think its ok to ask, pleading is a little much at this point. Just explain that you are most excited about their program, that you would love to accept the offer, but that financially it doesn't make sense to pass up fully funded offers at other programs to take out loans at their program for two years. Is there anything they can do? If they say yes, yippee! If they say no, don't plead - they know what they can do. After that its up to you to decide whether the loans are worth it.

[poohpooh]

Thank you so much for your fast response, LJK. It's really helpful - As you said, I will ask them politely... I really hope to have my funding upgraded!! sigh..

[space-cat]

In situations like yours--where the funding offered is only partial--I would assume they'll be more understanding of your asking for more. Full funding for 5 years is the standard that everyone wants, they haven't quite met that, so your question makes sense, you know?

As for wording, "is there any flexibility in this funding package?" is my favorite diplomatic opener. In addition to asking about other opportunities for internal funding, you might also ask about their assistance with external funding: for example, could you take out a loan for your first year, apply for outside funding with the assistance/name of someone in the department, and have that cover your second year? If you show that you understand the funding process and are willing to do your part, they might be more receptive.

[poohpooh]

Aha! Thanks, space-cat!! I'm glad that it's not really out of the line to ask for more. I will ask them about outside funding opportunities, and hopefully I will get some good results... By the way, is it rare for graduate programs to change funding packages for a student?

[qbtacoma]

Aha! Thanks, space-cat!! I'm glad that it's not really out of the line to ask for more. I will ask them about outside funding opportunities, and hopefully I will get some good results... By the way, is it rare for graduate programs to change funding packages for a student?

It is quite common for prospective students to use their better-funded offers to negotiate with their top choices for extra money. I couldn't say how successful the efforts are - I suspect successes have to do with whether other people have declined and thus funds are freed.

[poohpooh]

Ah, I see... I will just keep hoping that someone will decline soon... Thanks for the information!