<p>It may be better even for kids looking for merit aid.</p>
<p>"While much of the assistance will go to the neediest students, institutions are also increasing merit aid.</p>
<p>Albright College, in Reading, Pa., had been splitting its financial aid budget evenly between need-based aid and merit aid. But this year, it will tip the balance toward merit, with 60 percent. The college used to send offers of merit aid shortly after it mailed acceptance letters; this year, it sent them together in hopes of winning students over early."</p>
<p>…</p>
<p>“Some schools have tried to reduce their merit-aid budgets over the last several years, arguing that an emphasis on need-based aid was more philosophically in line with their goals of getting a more diverse student body. But economic pressures may delay those aims.”</p>