A legal challenge and growing criticism are targeting early‑decision admissions practices as colleges increasingly lock in large shares of incoming classes. Plaintiffs have sued 32 selective institutions, alleging that binding early‑decision programs reduce competition, disadvantage low‑income applicants, and allow colleges to manipulate tuition and financial‑aid offerings. Colleges have expanded early‑decision offerings to manage yield and class composition; critics say the tactic concentrates admission advantages in wealthier applicant pools. The litigation and heightened scrutiny have prompted institutional reviews of ED policies and renewed debate among trustees, admissions officers, and policymakers about whether and how to limit binding early offers.