The number of students receiving need-based financial aid in the Class of 2005 decreased by four percent from the Class of 2004. While 50 percent of the students in the Class of 2004 were receiving some sort of financial aid last year, only 46 percent of the Class of 2005 is receiving need-based aid.

However, the average parental income from students in the Class of 2005 was $70,940, lower than the average parental income for the class of 2004, which was $74,258.

This year, the average student budget is $37,426, while last year the average student budget was $35,856.

"A variation in distribution of students by family income caused the unusual situation of an increased average parental contribution from a smaller average income," said Director of Financial Aid Joe Paul Case.

Case also noted that the Class of 2004 set a record for having the highest yield of students receiving financial aid and that the Class of 2005 number is second highest.

However, despite the fact that the percentage of students receiving financial aid decreased, many members of the Class of 2005 cited their financial aid package as one of the deciding factors in their decision to matriculate.

"It was a very important factor. I probably wouldn't have come here without the financial aid I'm receiving. That and that Amherst has an excellent academic reputation," said Sandy Alvarez '05.