What is early decision?

Early decision is generally a binding application plan: if admitted under the agreement and the financial arrangements are workable, you commit to attend and withdraw other applications as required.

What to know before you act

Read the college’s agreement carefully with your family and counselor before applying. You typically cannot compare a full set of spring aid offers. Use the school’s net price calculator and ask financial-aid questions early, especially when your circumstances make estimates uncertain.

If the aid offer makes attendance unaffordable, contact the college promptly about review and possible release under its process. Do not assume you can ignore the commitment or that borrowing any offered amount makes the school affordable. Choose early decision only when both preference and financial planning support it.

Your next steps

• Read the binding agreement and application restrictions.
• Estimate net price and discuss affordability before applying.
• Resolve an inadequate aid offer directly with the college.

For the next step, use the compare financial aid offers. Use a worked example and worksheet to compare net price, loans, and renewal conditions.