[codexon]

Be a minority or the top 1% in your class of people likely depending on the same thing?

[muzz]

If you are a student from a family with median income or below, Harvard and Stanford waive tuition (and Stanford will cover room and board too).

http://www.reuters.com/article/2008/02/21/us-education-stanf...

[codexon]

I think everyone is aware of that by now. Someone brings it up every time tuition comes up.

Given their acceptance rates, this is not an option for even a majority of HN readers.

[ctdonath]

I'm neither.

[codexon]

Let me guess what else.

- Military or government service.

- Join a company that will pay you to get the degree (likely only from a company that requires a top degree)

- A field of study that no one ever chooses.

If not feel free to share some of that information.

[ctdonath]

#1 - not me.

#2 is more available than you realize.

#3 exemplifies supply-and-demand.

If you're not flexible, you'll pay thru the nose.