Tufts strives for need-blind policy

By Kat SchmidtDaily Editorial Board
The University has recently established its latest goal: ensure that every admissions decision is made without regard for a student's ability to pay.
In his 2002 inaugural address, University President Lawrence Bacow said, "We need to ensure that Tufts remains accessible to all and not just the wealthy few. We want to admit students on a truly need-blind basis ..."
Dean of Admissions Lee Coffin said that President Bacow's commitment to achieving need-blind admissions was one of the main objectives set out for him at the beginning of his tenure as Dean.
This goal, however, is easier stated than accomplished. Providing enough endowment resources to provide solid financial aid is "a moving target," Coffin said.
Tufts' financial aid comes from the interest on the University's endowment, an invested sum of money - currently estimated at $752 million - that generates revenue for the University.
Financial aid allocations are an intricate balancing act of dynamic need, fluctuating costs, and many economic constraints.
Tufts' policy is currently need-sensitive, which means that a student's ability to pay may be a factor in the admissions decision.

Full Story: http://www.tuftsdaily.com/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/04/06/42537421cb50e