How do I choose between two universities with different financial aid offers?

The financial offer isn't always the whole picture - sometimes the school that costs more ends up being the better investment depending on your field and career goals. Look at the total cost after aid, sure, but also compare what you'd actually be studying, internship opportunities, and whether graduates from each program end up where you want to be. Talk to current students if you can about their experience and job outcomes, not just the sticker price. If the schools are fairly close in cost and quality, pick the one where you genuinely feel you'd thrive - that matters way more than squeezing out another thousand dollars in aid.

Don't just compare the sticker price or the size of the aid package in isolation - you need to dig into what happens after year one, since some schools front-load aid and then reduce it. Run the actual numbers through the school's net price calculator for all four years, factor in whether you'd need to work or borrow, and honestly assess which degree would actually improve your earning potential in the field you're considering.