<p>read the topic^</p>
<p>Well, they say that if you can't afford the tuition (and are relying on scholarships) NOT to apply Early Decision. A certain percentage at each school are admitted ED, so yes, I would say that ability to pay outright does impact your admission chances.</p>
<p>You'd be very suprised. Colleges are businesses too, and they love applicants that can pay the full tuition.</p>
<p>In many cases it does. Most schools do not give 100% of need. Unless you are a top applicant, substantial merit is difficult to get, and even top kids have to cast a wide net to ensure merit awards. It is usually the more selective schools that give the best financial aids, so again, you need to be a fairly strong applicant to get substancial packages. So if you are a student whose family cannot afford to pay much for college, your options may be more limited. If the schools that offer large amounts of financial are not in your "zone", you may have to look at the less expensive, local schools, or go part time to earn some college money. You may have to take out loans. Maybe do a combination of all of these. </p>
<p>Even students who can reasonably apply to schools that meet most need, can find that the college definition of need does not necessarily mesh with the family situation. And there are schools that are need aware, where your chances of admissions are lowered if you are a borderline applicant with great need. </p>
<p>Even if your family can afford to send you to college according to the financial aid calculators, it may not be a wise use of money for them, depending on family circumstances. </p>
<p>So, yes, I would say income can play a huge factor in college admissions, and college choices.</p>