AFAIK, major summer REUs are specifically designed for R1 research universities to host promising students NOT from their university, especially LACs but also “less research intensive” universities. They specifically cannot come from their own university nor from another R1.
Then, there are year-long research experiences (NSF or not) for students at the specific university (often Honors students or top students who stood out in specific courses or expressed an interest to the professor.) Undergraduates may not receive any stipend from their host institution by the way.
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For what it’s worth, one of my kids did a summer REU at Columbia, and Columbia specifically mentioned in their application information that students from colleges without graduate programs (e.g., LACs) received priority in the admission process (though one of my kid’s fellow REU-ers was a Columbia undergrad).
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That’s interesting. I thought they’d receive something to at least cover their expenses (housing, food, etc.)
In any event, the research institutions I’m familiar with offer their own students more interesting and better research opportunities.
Maybe it depends.
S19 is under the impression that the best REU opportunities are given to URMs and first gens. He’s looked into a few and thinks he’s got no chance. So I think, when universities say they want to help kids who have less opportunities, this comes into play as well.
The REU program does seem to give preferences to certain groups, according to this NSF publication:
it’s kinda worth it to apply to more schools especially if ur aiming for the ivies. Since top schools meet 100% of financial need, it’s worth it, in the long run, to ensure that you get into a school that will meet your financial need.