<p>^^^ Meh... Not exactly... Based on my observation, ivies, in recent years, give out merit money to students from many middle class or upper middle class in the form of ?financial aid?. This somehow has changed the landscape of ivies - Many kids who would have taken free-rides from state or not-so-hot private schools, now attend Ivies without incurring too much financial burden on their family.</p>
<p>1) A girl in our neighborhood @Princeton (the most generous ivy)
Location: Bethesda, MD (DC metro)
Total income: 125K+ (this is not exactly considered as high income around here)
Home Price: 750K+ (Princeton does not count Home Equity)
Number of Family: 4
Parent's Out of Pocket Expense: 15K (her family said they could swing this without too much pain)
Student Debt: 0
A great finaid package for middle/upper-middle class family</p>
<p>2) A girl who will graduate from Cornell- Hotel management this year
Location: Columbia, MD
Number of family: 4 (other kid @Stanford)
Parent?s Out of Pocket Expense: 0 for 4 years
Student Debt: about 20K for 4 years
This is basically 20K for a Cornell education-what a bargain!!!</p>
<p>SO basically, if you're smart & willing, you can go to Ivies, whether your are dirt poor, filthy rich or somewhere inbetween!!!</p>