On Friday, a group of three students and a recent graduate filed a class action lawsuit against 32 colleges and universities, including Brown, accusing them of inflating the cost of attendance through early decision admissions in violation of antitrust laws. None of the plaintiffs are known to be directly affiliated with Brown.
Brown’s Senior Vice President for Communications Cass Cliatt wrote in a statement that the complaint has no merit and the University “is prepared to mount a strong defense to make this clear.”
“Brown has always made decisions about its admissions processes and financial aid independently as part of the University's longstanding commitment to enhancing access to the benefits of a Brown education regardless of socioeconomic circumstances,” she wrote.
The suit also names two college application platforms — the Common Application and Scoir — along with the Consortium of Financing Higher Education as defendants.
The plaintiffs argue early decision practices are tantamount to collusion between colleges and universities who have “mutually agreed not to compete for students accepted through Early Decision, which both raises prices for tuition and other services.”
Under this system, the vast majority of students are not given the opportunity to compare financial aid offers from other schools. Since early decision offers high rates of acceptance, the plaintiffs argue that this puts price-sensitive applicants at a disadvantage.
If a student is accepted through early decision, they agree to rescind all applications to other universities and enroll at the school.
Colleges typically favor this system as it provides the chance to solidify the makeup of much of their first-year class before the less-restrictive regular decision application cycle.
The plaintiffs challenged the enforceability of such an agreement, saying the application “is presented in a form that resembles a contract, an applicant’s commitment is not actually legally binding.” Instead, they claim, it imposes an “honor-bound,” “ethical” requirement to attend that school.
Brown previously settled a separate antitrust admissions lawsuit in January 2024 for $19.5 million. They maintain no wrongdoing.
The Consortium of Financing Higher Education and Scoir did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Common Application declined to comment.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Kate Butts is a university news editor covering admissions & financial aid as well as the career and alumni beat. She previously was a senior staff writer covering University Hall. Outside of The Herald, she loves running, board games and Trader Joe's snacks.
