What is the difference between need-blind and need-aware colleges in admissions?

Need-blind means a college says your ability to pay is not considered when making the admissions decision. Need-aware, sometimes called need-sensitive, means the college may factor in your financial need at some point in the process, especially when deciding among otherwise similar applicants or when the aid budget is tight. So yes, at a need-aware college, applying for financial aid can affect your chances, while at a truly need-blind college it should not.

The practical difference is biggest for students who need a lot of aid. At a need-blind school, admissions readers are supposed to evaluate your academics, activities, essays, and fit without seeing whether you need help paying. At a need-aware school, your application can still be admitted on merit, but if the school is managing limited financial aid funds, high-need applicants may face a tougher path than students who can pay more.

A second important issue is whether the college meets full demonstrated need after admission. A school can be need-blind but still not meet your full need, which means you might get in and then receive an unaffordable package. A school can also be need-aware and still be generous once admitted. So for building your list, do not look only at need-blind versus need-aware.