I’m a Former Dean of Admissions. Colleges Shouldn’t Be Paying Rich Kids to Enroll.
Preview:
The federal financial aid system, designed to make college accessible to low and middle-income students, has been systematically shaped over decades to benefit wealthy families through merit aid, tax advantaged savings accounts, and institutional prestige pricing that rewards affluence. Elite universities in particular deploy financial aid strategies that optimize for rankings and donor relationships rather than genuine economic diversity, leaving the students with the greatest need receiving the least proportional support. The result is a system that publicly champions access while quietly reinforcing the advantages of students who needed the least help to begin with.
Originally published: August 21, 2026
Author: Angel B. Pérez
Position: CEO
Institution: National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
Published by: The New York Times