But VT's endowment and budget for this cannot fulfill the 100% need based guarantee that most of the Ivy leaguers can offer. But at least we offer 9.9 athletic schollies they don't. But yes, your point is valid....the Ivy league schools can target those families that have a low enough EFC calculation and say "Come to Princeton (or other) for same or less price than VT."

Conversely, if a family's income is high enough where financial aid is out of the question, VT could say come play for VT and we can give you some athletic schollie $$$ where the Ivy can't/won't. Of course, if a family makes a LOT they probably don't care about $$$ and want the Ivy degree anyway.

Then there is the squishy merit aid business. It is all a shell game.