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Someone whose household income is $90k/year but can’t afford Swarthmore is most likely 1) in a divorced-parent situation where one parent is wealthy but unwilling to contribute, a despairing donut hole that is present for essentially all of the elite colleges, 2) has unusual assets, or 3) is unwilling to make lifestyle sacrifices as a family in order to afford their EFC. A “typical” 90k family would definitely qualify for need-based aid at Swarthmore, probably around 1/2 COA. That seems pretty generous to me.</p>
<p>And the data cited^^ shows that 50% of aided students (approximately 25% of the total student body) come from a family that earns $100k or less per year, which most people would classify as middle class. (The controversy over definitions is about the 100-120k or even 140k+ range, whether those folks are middle or upper middle or upper class.)</p>
<p>Individual families WILL be dissatisfied with financial aid, at ANY school. But many or most of their reasons for being dissatisfied are not things that Swarthmore can fairly respond to. The FA office applies an equal standard to all applicants and determines a “reasonable” family contribution, then meets 100% of need beyond that contribution.</p>