In January, I wrote about some colleges reducing tuition costs for families below certain income levels. I thought it was an interesting topic, and it seemed like a rather novel idea at the time, but it didn't generate any discussion.

Two months later, several more universities have followed suit — and not just big, prestigious ones like Stanford  and Brown , but smaller colleges and state schools, too. The Project on Student Debt actually keeps a running list  of schools that are either limiting or eliminating student loans from their financial aid award packages.

Sure, it might put me out of a job if student loans are eliminated altogether, but if these colleges can use their endowments to help low- to middle-income families afford education and avoid debt, I'm all for it. I was fortunate enough to not need to borrow money for college — I can only wish the same for students today.

However, I wonder if prospective college students (and their parents) are paying much attention to these financial aid policy changes — and if they're impacting where students apply for admission. Time will tell...