The financial aid notice that Zoe Rankin received from Fordham University on Wednesday afternoon was unequivocal.

“Congratulations once again on your admission to Fordham University,” the email said in bold red letters.

They were priceless words for students like Ms. Rankin, a senior at Harley High School in Rochester, N.Y, who wanted to go to Fordham so much that she applied for early admission.

“She came running down the stairs, just jubilant,” her mother, Lise Kunkel, said. “We were thrilled.”