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Need-Blind vs. Need-Aware Colleges: Which is Best for You?

2021-08-30•8 minute read

Choosing a college is one of the toughest decisions a high school student faces. With so many factors weighing on this decision, the choice can feel nearly impossible. The factor that often weighs the heaviest is cost, especially the cost of private, prestigious universities.

As you consider your educational options and determine which college is best for you, it’s important to ask yourself important financial questions like, “How much debt will I acquire?” and “What type of scholarships and financial aid are available?” It’s also important to find out if the colleges on your list are need-blind or need-aware.

What’s the Difference between Need-Blind and Need-Aware Admissions Policies?

Need-Blind (Full-Need) Admissions Policy

When reviewing college applications, a need-blind university does not consider the applicant’s financial situation when making their admissions decision. Financial aid from need-blind schools typically goes to students who prove financial need. Keep in mind that not all need-blind schools pay 100% of a student’s tuition, and some offer loans to help supplement tuition and college fees.

Colleges with Need-Blind Admissions Policies

These are some of the top universities with need-blind admissions policies. Only five schools in the US are need-blind for international students. These include Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Amherst, and MIT.

Need-Aware (Need-Sensitive) Admissions Policy

A need-aware (need-sensitive) university makes most of its decisions without considering an applicant’s financial need. Still, it reserves a few spots for students who can pay the total cost of the college’s tuition and expenses without needing loans, grants, or scholarships.

Colleges with Need-Aware Admissions Policies

Many colleges do not like to advertise they are need-aware because it implies they may not admit a student because of their financial needs. The biggest challenge students with financial needs face when applying to these colleges is not getting into the college based on their needs. But, if these students gain admission to these colleges, many offer generous financial aid packages.

These are some of the top universities with need-aware admissions policies.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Need-Blind Colleges

Advantages of Need-Blind Colleges

Need-blind schools have advantages for students needing financial aid for college. They offer opportunities for quality higher education at a fraction, and in some cases, none of the cost. Need-blind colleges also tend to be more diverse, giving all students equal opportunities in and out of the classroom despite their socio-economic background. Additionally, students accepted to a need-blind college know their acceptance was due to their academics and merits, not their family’s financial status.

Disadvantages of Need-Blind Colleges

Not all need-blind colleges are wealthy enough to meet 100% of each student’s needs. Some can offer generous aid packages, and others supplement their financial aid with loans, on-campus job options, and scholarships. Unfortunately, students who cannot afford to pay the difference in cost typically have to turn down the admission offer.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Need-Aware Colleges

Advantages of Need-Aware Colleges

While need-aware schools look at your academics and financial needs when evaluating your application, you’ll likely get an excellent financial aid package from the school if they admit you and you are lower-income. These schools often have the money to fill the gap between what you can pay and tuition costs.

Research the need-aware schools on your list. You might be surprised to find out that they often have more diversity than some need-blind schools.

Disadvantages of Need-Aware Colleges

The most significant disadvantage to applying to a need-aware school is that your financial situation might affect admission. If the school cannot support you financially, they may not admit you.

If you need financial support for college:

Don’t discount the need-aware schools.
Do your research and see what percentage of applications are affected by their need-aware policy.
Focus on highlighting your academics and extracurriculars. If you rank at the top of your class in tests and grades, additional scholarships are available that can help bridge the financial gap.

Comparing Need-Blind and Need-Aware Financial Aid Policies

Need-Blind Financial Aid Policies

When students apply to college, they fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the CSS (College Scholarship Service) to document their financial situation and apply for scholarships. In these documents, students calculate their Effective Family Contribution (EFC). This calculation estimates how much money their family can afford to pay per year for the university or college. Depending on the college, they submit these documents as part of their application or separately.

Need-blind colleges send these documents to a financial office that’s different from the admissions office. The college only looks at these papers after the student’s acceptance into the college. Then the school creates a financial aid package for the student to consider. Unfortunately, the EFC calculator isn’t perfect and doesn’t consider unique circumstances that prevent a student from paying the total amount from their EFC. While a student may appeal to the school for more aid, there’s no obligation to provide additional funds because they have met their policy’s requirements.

Need-Aware Financial Aid Policies

Need-aware is similar in the documentation process, where students need to fill out either the CSS or the FAFSA. Admissions officers consider these documents in their application evaluations, weighing their desire for the student against the financial responsibility to the student.

Many schools that fall into the need-aware category offer merit-based scholarships to counter the cost to the student. Instead of focusing on their financial situation, they use academics to determine who receives scholarships.

Can I afford to study in the US?

How to Pick the Right Need-Blind or Need-Aware School for You

Need-blind and need-aware schools have advantages and disadvantages. It doesn’t hurt to apply to need-aware schools, especially if your grades, tests, and extracurriculars are at the top of your class. Do your research, ask admissions offices about their policies, and don’t forget to look into other forms of financial aid.

Interested in learning more about need-blind and need-aware schools? Contact one of our admissions counselors for more information.

Key Resources & Further Reading

Crimson Education is the world’s leading university admissions support company specializing in helping students gain entry to some of the world’s most competitive universities. Our holistic approach provides support across all areas of the US and UK university application process. We assist you to find your best-fit university, create a personalized roadmap, ace your standardized tests, craft the perfect essay, build candidacy through extracurriculars, and more. Find out more about our Admissions Support program.