I am glad that in addition to the tuition some advocates are lobbying for additional financial support for low income students. Several basic needs can be addressed with some allowances.
“Birds of a feather flock together together”. Many students in those schools tend to gather together according to their level of comfort (Income, race, origin, country club etc). Clearly most people at those schools have the fortune of coming from very capable financial means.
As a results they can afford many luxuries and connections for jobs. For many of those people is the natural way, However for those low income students is a struggle to even purchase the insulated jacket for the winter.
I know a student struggling at USC which is perhaps more diverse than any Ivy. The struggles of said students are all socially related as the student struggles to develop a network. The IVY schools and private elite schools should make a point of accepting more students who realize that we live in a world with huge inequalities and that they could be sympathetic and engaging with other low income peers. Some students who have seen a world different than their lucky one may learn empathy and the ability to relate and be less judgemental.
What I see on elite school campuses is segregation based on low income and race. It is a learned behavior that has been instilled in those who have had a privileage life.
The Greek System is perhaps the most segregated system and it breeds and promotes division among income lines on campuses. Greek Systems should be mandated to accept a percentage of people on a CONFIDENTIAL waive fees fashion.
In short, the allowances can allow low income people to blend in and not stand out at first sight.