<p>There is no question affordability has become a crucial issue, but for the very top schools the yield is actually increasing this year. Harvard increased to 82% from roughly 80.8%, Princeton is up 2% to 68.7%, Stanford is up 3.7% to 76.7%, and although Yale has yet to report it is likely to be 68%+. None of the above offer merit aid (except Stanford for premier athletes). The key issue is whether the degree is perceived as being worth the economic sacrifice. The challenge for Duke is to have sufficient perceived value vs. the Wash StLs, Rices and state flagships of the world to overcome the cost differential. Clearly HYPS do.</p>