Early Decision Isn’t What You Think

A growing number of college experts are sounding the alarm about Early Decision (ED) — calling it financially risky and strategically limiting for most families. Recent reporting highlights why ED is increasingly viewed as a system that benefits colleges far more than students.

Here are the major takeaways:

1. Early Decision weakens your financial aid position.
By committing upfront to attend if admitted, families “tip their hand.” Colleges know the student is locked in and often offer lower financial aid packages as a result.

2. Many top colleges now fill half to three-quarters of their freshman class through ED.
This shift accelerated after 2019 and the pandemic-era application surge. The result: students feel pressured to apply early — even when it’s not in their best interest.

3. ED forces students to accept an offer without seeing aid awards from other schools.
Applicants must agree to attend before they know the cost or can compare better academic, financial, or career options.

4. The system tends to disadvantage middle- and lower-income families.
ED disproportionately attracts full-pay applicants, allowing colleges to boost revenue while still claiming to be “need blind.”

5. There are legislative concerns.
Congress and state lawmakers are examining whether ED practices — and the algorithms used to shape admissions and aid — may violate antitrust principles.

6. Missing out on ED may actually be a blessing.
Students who are denied in ED often end up with significantly better financial aid offers during Regular Decision, where schools compete more aggressively.

Early Decision may look like a fast track to an acceptance letter, but for most families, it reduces leverage, increases long-term costs, and limits the ability to make informed choices. Families of 10th–12th graders are encouraged to stay cautious, understand the financial implications, and keep their college options open.