We should consider that we really don’t know the “plan” yet. I’m assuming some of the need-based aid will be grants, given based on need, while other need-based aid will be done via more competitive scholarships, which will consider need and merit.
The median household income in KY is $41,141 (which is about the same in Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, etc.). A grant of a few thousand dollars, may be enough to recruit middle class kids in the 25 to 30 ACT range. 