fallenchemist, I’m a disappointed that you are making accusations about the values of others. I know you’ve been on cc long enough to recognize calling anyone elitist is fighting words. If you still feel so strongly about USC’s merit interview travel reimbursement policies (!), it’s kinder and safer to stay on topic. You may not think the words you use are emotionally charged, but I assure you they can be read that way.
Back to topic: Financially needy students will receive Financial Aid grants. Often, these are even greater than full tuition in grant money and are a testament to USC’s concern with helping low-income families/students, their need-blind admissions policy, and their FA policies which include no private family or student loans or gaps. There is no need to worry about this segment being ignored or disenfranchised by USC. Quite the contrary.
And since Financial Aid best addresses students with serious need, many of us are grateful that Merit Aid can alleviate the financial burden on the families who get the least help from colleges today–middle income.