<p>In ways, both sides of this debate are right. Yes, 100k/yr. is more prosperity than much of the world could ever dream of. To me, “miidle class” is becoming like “liberal” and “conservative” in our political debate; everyone wants to impose their unspoken definition of what each term means. I think it is not a number based on median family income, but a collection of lifestyle and values. A state university is a very good alternative for someone in that range of income, but trust me, as properous as 100k per year is, no family could find 50k a year after taxes (Aalways keep those in mind) to pay for a private university. I don’t know that ND has to do it or necessarily should, but for less than 1% of investment income on the $6.5 bil. endowment, they couls provide half the students with 20K/yr. in grants or scholarships. But, I’m sure there are many important needs and interests competing for the budget every year, too.</p>