Merit Aid: Turning Bedford Falls into Pottersville
In the debate over college affordability, merit aid often faces criticism for favoring wealthier students. However, Jonathan Epstein argues that merit aid plays a critical role in attracting middle-class students who might otherwise miss out on higher education. Through strategic financial discounts, institutions offer students valuable alternatives to more prestigious or less expensive schools, increasing both enrollment and revenue. Without merit aid, many schools would struggle to compete, leading to a more divided and less accessible education system.
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