There is that huge gray area when schools do take into account how much a family can potentially donate to the school. On one hand, it is obvious that there is a distinct advantage to accepting a Rockefeller with donor potential in mind. On the other, it’s going outside the already established development hook that kids of big time donors in the past get. But, yes, it happens. Especially st need aware schools— that needing fin aid affects the decision is really s corollary of this
In making admission decisions, many colleges do take into consideration ability to pay, or the potential for big donations. How is this news?
The CDS provides related metrics such as the percentage of students who receive need-based aid and the average amount. The NYT has done studies that show the median annual family income for students at many colleges.
For USC:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/college-mobility/university-of-southern-california
Compare to UC - Davis:
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/college-mobility/university-of-california-davis