Start with better scholarship or better stipulation?

[cloudhidden]

Ok, let's say school A offers full tuition with substantial stipulation, and school B offers ~$10,000 less per year but better stipulation... Do I contact school B about school A's higher tuition offer first, or do I start with trying to get school A to lower their stipulation? Does it make a difference if the variance between the stipulations is small (10-20%) or large (over 40%), and if school B is actually a similar situation for multiple schools?

[J-e-L-L-o]

The contracts won't matter I don't think. Only the dollar amount will.

Counter the scholly with the better stipulation. Let them know you received more money. I am not an expert but I don't recall seeing much in the change of terms vs the change in money in the threads.

IMO, I would take the one with the least stipulation if you are talking about peer schools.

here's probably the best link on negotiating aid.
viewtopic.php?f=22&t=79373&start=100

I would make a post there also.