Can I ask for more money?

Yes, they won’t rescind your offer of admission for asking. But asking and receiving are entirely different things. Here is what you need to do.

1) Pick the top two contenders. March-May is a crazy season for financial aid officers. Do not give them more to do, especially if you are just asking for the sake of asking, but are not serious about the school. They are exhausted, and their patience has already been tested.

2) Research. Does the school offer need-only aid (or almost no merit aid)? This is the amount determined based on your FAFSA (and/or CSS Profile for schools that require it.)

At need-only schools or, like the public schools in California, that offer very little merit aid, you need a specific reason to argue your FAFSA doesn’t accurately represent your financial need.

Since you used your 2023 tax returns, maybe 2024 had some twists. Did someone lose a job, or have significant medical expenses? Did your family grow by adoption, birth, or taking care of elderly relatives?

If you have another family member in college, ask the financial aid office if that was considered in the offer. The new FAFSA does not ask.

The bottom line is need-based schools need a reason to reconsider your financial aid offer. Be prepared to provide documentation as well. “We can’t afford it” won’t work without evidence.

3) At schools that offer merit aid in addition to need-based aid (often private), you may have a better shot. They have more discretionary money. But there are a few considerations.

First, are the two schools competitive peers in the world of college admissions? USC isn’t going to compete with an offer from the University of Montana. They don’t see them as real competition.

Now, an offer from another top-ranked rival could be motivating. They are competitive, after all. But manage expectations. Expect to pay a premium for brand names. They can easily fill their class without monetary incentives, and they know it.

If you do ask for more merit aid, send in the offer they are competing against. It is the only leverage you have. Your email should go something like this:

Dear Financial Aid Office,
Thank you for evaluating my financial aid application. I am down to my final choice, and it is between [this school’s name] and [other school’s name]. I would like to attend your school, but [other school] offered a generous financial aid package, and cost is a consideration. I am attaching the offer from [other school] and hope you can match it so I can attend [this school]. 
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Your name

Again, schools have to have discretionary merit aid for this to work. The University of California does not, so be realistic. But this is how private schools can compete with public schools or even be cheaper.

And always ask if work-study is an option. It can help reduce costs, too, but is often not included in offers.

This is not a competition for who gets the most acceptances or the biggest brand name; it is about finding a place where you will fit and thrive. And if that means pursuing CC for a few years, so be it.

Best of luck!