[linksnapzz]

They're allowed to ask for the info; and if not explicity "need-blind", are allowed to accept or reject your application based on how much of a discount on tuition they anticipate you needing. Practically speaking, this means that if you look like you can pay the $65-85 thousand a year w/o any help, that's a plus.

[seanmcdirmid]

MIT specifically doesn't do that though, as per the article. Still, successful applicants generally come from more well off families due to the resources required in raising a kid to be a successful applicant.