But it would also not be entirely true to say that real tuition relief isn't given. The average amount of debt that a Notre Dame graduate comes out with doesn't vary that much across all Household Income ranges, but the average annual cost of attendance by Household Income range varies A LOT. They don't just give loans - they give grants, as well. The issue is that they really tend to give only just enough so that you feasibly afford it. They don't give so much that there is zero cost of attendance burden on the student or his/her family, however.
I do agree with you that with the size of the endowment, there is no excuse not to do more with this, since it would essentially pay for itself.