What are some of the top schools that have need-based admission?

Paying for College
1

<p>What are some of the top schools that have need-based admission?</p>

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<p>Do you mean which top schools offer need-based financial aid? Or do you mean top colleges that are "need-blind" -- meaning your financial situation is not part of the admissions decision?</p>

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<p>Or do you mean top schools that are NOT need-blind, where ability to pay will be an advantage?</p>

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<p>I mean the top schools are NOT need-blind</p>

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<p>That's sort of a broad question. What is "top?" And why do you ask ... are you looking to avoid these schools, or do you want to apply to them because you are rich & figure you have a better chance at getting in because you are?</p>

<p>A better way to approach getting your answer would be to come up with some "top" schools you like & doing some research into them. If you can't figure out whether or not they are need-blind, THEN ask. That will probably yield better results for you.</p>

6

<p>Here are some, though not an exhaustive list. Numbers preceding are USNWR rankings (LAC or University, as applicable).</p>

<p>25 Bates
8 Carleton (! This was a surprise. <15% need-sensitive)
20 Hamilton (<5% need-sensitive)
25 Macalester (<5% need-sensitive)
27 Mount Holyoke (<5% need-sensitive) [all female]
18 Smith (<5% need-sensitive) [all female]</p>

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<p>Google "need blind schools" and you will get a list of those schools that are need blind in admissions and guarantee 100% of need. It gets dicey when you are talking about schools that are need aware. Few schools admit it outright. Particularly with the private schools, if the admissions and fin aid sections do not herald that admissions is need blind, then it is not. </p>

<p>The problem with leaving out need aware schools and/or schools that do not guarantee to meet full need is that they just might be the best deal for any given student. NYU is need blind but tends to be stingy with their packages. And yet, I know a few kids who got their richest offer from NYU through a combination of merit and need awards. Some schools that are need aware have this policy so that they can better provide for those students that they do accept. Also, many of these schools are mostly need blind, getting sensitive to need at the tail end of the admissions process.</p>