<p>I know of some kids who did get their best deal from NYU. They were top picks for the school, and so their financial aid package was flush. In prior years, some kids who had NCP found the school a God send, as it used to use FAFSA so if you got lucky with aid there, you would get a LOT more money than those peer schools that use PROFILE and want the NCP info. </p>
<p>The way it works with NYU, is that they are need blind in admissions. So every and anyone can have an equal chance of getting accepted. Getting the money is a whole separate process, and they do not meet need for most people. If you are one of the minority for whom they did meet need, all is good. Other wise you either come up with the money somehow, through loans, sell the family home, get a relative to pay, etc, or you can’t come. A great school for internationals who can play it both ways. Apply as poor and magically come up with the money if accepted with no aid, but get aid if they win that lottery. </p>
<p>This can happen in any number of schools where one can get gapped, but NYU also has the distinction of being among the most pricey schools, so when they gap, they can gap big time…</p>
<p>It’s a matter of opinion as to which is preferable. To have a school decline applicants for whom they cannot or will not meet need or close to it or have a school operate on a need blind basis, and it is up to the applicant and family to come up with money if the school chooses not to give aid.</p>