The Speaker

^ Also (and once again, this is a middle class kid currently in discussion with MIT FinAid) keep in mind that MIT's endowment isn't as big as those other Ivies. Those places frankly have more money to spend, and more money that Congress may MAKE them spend.

In addition, I bet the cost of running MIT is pretty darned high compared to non tech-specific schools. All that equipment has, on average, GOT to be more expensive than the materials needed for English and Philosophy majors. (Not that those majors are easier, just perhaps cheaper for the college).

As the general statement, by the by, my dealings with MIT FinAid have been positive. Am I hearing the news I want? Well, to be honest, it really doesn't look good and I think I'm going to a much cheaper State University.

But MIT is still reviewing, they're kindly hearing me and my parents out on every issue we've brought up, and they've been extremely responsive to our questions, even if the answers aren't necessarily what we're hoping for. They're straightforward and honest, whereas other colleges I've dealt with sometimes dodge questions or are impossible to deal with when you mention the very thought of "appealing" financial aid.

logical

It seems to me that HYPS are trying to increase the number of middle class students, and that will make them better places.

And MIT's endowment, while smaller than Harvard's is over $8 billion and was the fastest growing last year at 25%. So it is just a matter of how they plan to spend it. They're emphasizing aid to those w/ less than $75k, but they'll lose families who scrimp and save and live frugally and work but don't want to take out loans.

yanners

Originally, I had about equivalent offers from MIT and Princeton...but as it turns out, I had forgotten to send my parents' tax forms to Pton. After we faxed those in, Pton re-evaluated my offer. For me, Princeton is $12,000 cheaper per year - and though I would prefer to go to MIT, $12K is not a small amount of money! It's not something my parents can just spare, and I do not want to take out the difference in loans...it could possibly add up to be a lot in loans after four years.

When I talked with the MIT fin aid office during CPW, they seemed nice...but it seemed like they would not be willing to match Pton's aid.