<p>I don’t think anyone can say Harvard or Princeton is always better than Yale for finaid. My Yale finaid offer was better than what I received at the other two, and I know of others in the same situation. I think it depends on the specifics of the case and the breakdown of finances.</p>
<p>Our experience was that the family contribution was a little more than 10% (family income under the limit) but we have some assets (Home equity, retirement accounts, and stocks). The amount was similiar at P based upon their calculator.</p>
<p>schrodingerscat: I agree; everyone’s situation is different. I have 2 kids – one at Harvard and one at Yale. This year, Yale’s FA beat Harvard’s by about $1,000 per semester. I was hoping that Harvard would match Yale’s aid, however, they declined to do so.</p>
<p>Splat11: Your example of “a little more than 10%” is the kind of transparent information I wish Yale would add to their FA web page.</p>
<p>The literature and info from Yale re the 10% threshold is…“avg.”
and although we were under the threshold and without assets (according to the chart in the literature)…we were given a # that is more than 10% …
Y has changed their policies this year–
they announced more changes Dec 16…after the SCEA results came out…and it have continued to evolve/change. They lowered the income ceiling… Raised the 60 to 65k…</p>