If you're not satisfied with the financial aid package offered by your college of choice, don't despair. You may be able to receive additional funding by explaining your financial circumstances. Contact the financial aid office and be assertive, but not pushy. You'll want these people on your side for the next four years and you don't need a reputation for being a pain in the butt.
If a school that's not your top choice offers more financial aid than your first choice, send a copy of the higher award letter to your
first choice and ask if there's any possibility of additional aid so you can afford to attend that college. Sometimes if a school sees that you've been offered more aid elsewhere, they'll try to find more funds for you. This works best if the school is eager to have you as a student (because of your scholastic background, athleticism, talent, or other characteristic).
Similarly, you can use this strategy to increase your chances of getting a good financial aid package. Apply to schools with similar characteristics (such as average SAT score or average GPA) or where your traits will be above the pack (you are from Nebraska but apply to a school in the Northeast, or you play the trumpet well and the band might need you). That way, if one of the schools offers less financial aid, you might be able to get a school to reconsider your aid package.