<p>Excuse my ignorance on this subject, but don’t private universities reap some benefit from providing financial aid to U.S. citizens? Universities such as Caltech have been [in]famous for picking the best students in science, regardless of race, background, or even personality. So why would Caltech not admit a strong international applicant over a weaker U.S. applicant if both ask for financial aid?</p>
<p>If it is indeed economically beneficial to an institution to accept a domestic applicant over an international one, then in my opinion, the decision is justified. Otherwise, I see it as (unfair) discrimination.</p>