<p>The federal definition of low-income is 150% of the poverty line or less. The federal cut-off for means-tested benefits is 185% of the poverty line. At schools like Stanford and Yale, low-income is often considered $60,000 or less per year. However, be careful because the median income last year was $56,000 - so according to Yale or Stanford, more than half of all people in the United States are “low-income.” On CC, $75,000 or so is considered middle-income, which is possibly the reality, but so is $200,000 (most certainly NOT middle-income), so be careful.</p>
<p>On the other hand, keep this in mind. At Stanford, about 15% of students are considered low-income. 51% of students do not receive any financial aid, which is guaranteed through $100,000 and offered through $200,000.</p>