<p>The student in the first paragraph chose Allegheny College over Boston University. </p>
<p><a href=“http://nytimes.com/2006/01/01/education/01merit.html?hp&ex=1136091600&en=5a706647f5d4efbd&ei=5094&partner=homepage[/url]”>http://nytimes.com/2006/01/01/education/01merit.html?hp&ex=1136091600&en=5a706647f5d4efbd&ei=5094&partner=homepage</a></p>
<p>wow, we are getting an early look! </p>
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<p>Going forward, after we get past the population bubble in the next 2 or 3 years, doesn’t the projected college age population decline? In the not too distant future colleges are going to be falling all over themselves to bring in enough students, and will be throwing money at students left and right.</p>
<p>It was interesting to read comments from college presidents who were bemoaning the realities of merit aid - many wishing they could do away with it, but most fearing the consequences. The NYTimes article mentions the average “discount rate” on the “list prices” for tuition and B&R. Wonder if anybody has put together a table (or ranking) of average discount rates at colleges and universities. The table would partially reflect the successes of colleges in attracting gifts and building endowment (merit $$ have to come from somewhere). But the table might also reflect how desperate or aggressive (more polite term) colleges have become in filling their classes with desired type of student.</p>
<p>It’s interesting to see several paagraphs on your college (Juniata) when a cut back on need-based and scholarships is currently being proposed.</p>
<p>Particularly interesting since admins quoted in the article claim that merit aid has no affect on need-based aid.</p>
<p>Also interesting that the headline referred to the Ivy League, but the article barely mentions the Ivies and focuse on many CTCL schools.</p>