<p>The richest schools (the Ivies, elite LACs, etc.) are need-blind and guarantee 100% of need. Most applicants admitted ED are not paying full tuition. Granted, most are not getting a full ride either, but the idea that all ED applicants at need-blind institutions are full-pay is simply not true. ED disproportionately benefits the upper-middle-class private (and very good public) school suburbanites who are very knowledgeable about the process, and can commit to paying even if their financial aid is less than expected. But by no means are they all rich kids who don’t apply for financial aid.</p>