Need-Blind Admission

Need-blind admission is a policy where a university evaluates applications without knowing or considering the applicant's ability to pay. Only a small number of wealthy institutions — including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, and Amherst — practice need-blind admission for all applicants, including international students. Many more universities are need-blind for domestic students but need-aware for international applicants, meaning financial need may factor into international admission decisions. Need-blind institutions typically pair this policy with generous need-based financial aid to ensure admitted students can actually attend.