Financial Aid Bargaining

[espress0]

Hello to all,

 

I was recently accepted into my first Masters program, and am waiting on two more decisions. I know, during undergrad applications, I was able to 'haggle,' if you will, for more financial aid; the amount given truly wasn't enough. I'm in a situation straight out of undergrad, with no full-time work experience, entering a professional Masters program. If I don't get enough aid to reasonably get through the program without drowning in debt, how well does asking for more aid work at the graduate level? Does anyone have some experiences (positive or negative) with this?

[Generis]

My experience was positive. I basically said that the first year was going to be financially the most difficult for me, and because this college had more pricey rent than another college that admitted me, and funding was comparable, if there were funds to help balance it out. I made sure to mention that I wouldn't reject the college based on initial funding, but it might make my decision easier.

I got more monies: ) don t be after to ask!

[timshea]

Conter example to Generis: My request along these lines in a PhD program in the UC system was politely rejected. I later realized that financial compensation in this state system is tightly controlled by the TA union, UC administrators, and even state legislature, and so cases where a PI or department can offer extra funding are uncommon (though it sometimes happens).

[Generis]

The extra funds I received came from my POI's grants, probably to avoid what Timshea is talking about.

 

I guess the takeaway is that it doesn't necessarily hurt to ask.