<p>No question about it, more and more students are following the money. Often times to their 3rd or 4th choice. We are seeing a bi-modal payer mix at privates with full pay and full need students. The upper middle class kids receive little aid but can’t afford the privates and are filling up the state flagship honors programs. Vandy may pick up some students due to aid (need and merit) but will also lose some due over cost as most students with the credentials to get in will have merit offers at other universities. .
Unless costs are controlled the privates will fight for a shrinking pool of students able to pay the full COA, need blind U’s will get lasik surgery, and need aid will dry up.</p>