<p>In actuality, for at least the last thirty years and especially today, Ivies are the least expensive alternative, far cheaper than state schools or most other privates. Admission is needs blind (one's ability to pay does not enter into the admissions decision) and all financial need is met. At Harvard, for example, any student whose parents make $60,000 or less goes attends for free (no loans and free tuition, room and board, and often free books and travel to and from home to campus), and the other Ivies are close to this. A large majority of all students at Ivy schools is on financial aid. Anyone who says he or she, or his or her son or daughter, cannot attend an Ivy because a state school alternative is cheaper is either misinformed, or prevaricating.</p>