The Difference Between “Need-Blind” and “Need-Based” Admissions
The cost of higher education isn’t just measured in study time and energy – it’s also measured in dollars and cents. When considering college admissions, it is crucial to understand the various financial aid policies in place.
Two common terms that often come up are “need-blind” and “need-based” admissions. Understanding the differences between these two approaches and how they impact your financial circumstances during the admissions process is often the key to a successful approach when you’re selecting your dream schools.
What Are Need-Blind Admissions?
The term “need-blind” admissions refers to a policy where a college or university evaluates applicants for admission without considering their financial needs.
Need-blind admissions decisions are based solely on academic achievements, extracurricular involvement and personal qualities. In other words, a student’s ability to pay the school’s tuition does not influence the admission decision. However, it is essential to note that this doesn’t mean financial aid isn’t available. Even though the admissions process is need-blind, the availability of financial aid is usually considered after an applicant is accepted.
What Are Need-Based Admissions?
On the other hand, “need-based” admissions do take into account the financial need of applicants during the admissions process.
In need-based admissions, colleges and universities review an applicant’s financial circumstances along with their academic achievements and other qualifications. A student’s ability (or inability) to pay for tuition and related college expenses is a factor that can affect the admissions decision. Institutions that follow a need-based approach aim to create a diverse student body while also considering the financial resources available to support admitted students.
How Do the Differences Affect You?
It’s definitely worth thinking about the pros and cons of each situation before you apply.
Need-blind admissions are designed with the idea that they create a “level playing field” for students of all socioeconomic backgrounds. Because they are merit-based and focused solely on your qualifications and potential as a good student, even top-tier universities often use this process to create a more diverse student body.
Once a slot in an incoming class is offered, schools that have need-blind admissions are often generous with their scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities and other forms of aid.
However, need-blind admissions are not without criticism. The process may end up unintentionally favoring students of greater economic means since they can often best afford things like expensive extracurricular activities, tutoring, unpaid internships, special projects and other educational advantages that give their application a boost.
In comparison, need-based admissions tend to prioritize students with demonstrated financial need in the name of diversity, offering more tailored financial aid approaches that can reduce your dependence on student loans, reduce your stress and make your financial future secure.
Need-based admissions may also come with certain strings. For example, applying for financial aid can be very a time-consuming and complicated process. Also, students’ resulting financial aid packages may require them to maintain a certain grade point average to keep it. A university may also limit how many need-based admissions it can accept due to its own economic issues.
Even though affordability is a key concern for most students, you may want to fully explore your options. It may be wisest to put a few schools in each category on your “short list” as you start to narrow down the schools you’re most interested in attending.
