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Early Decision Applicants

If Allegheny is your first choice school, applying through the Early Decision option allows you to solidify your college plans during your senior year of high school.

Sometimes You Just Know

If Allegheny is your first-choice school, we encourage you to apply Early Decision. This binding agreement sends a powerful message to the Admission Committee, and it solidifies your college plans early in your senior year of high school.

What do we mean by a binding agreement? You, a parent/supporter, and your school counselor all provide a signature to confirm your interest in enrolling at Allegheny. Soon after receiving your admission decision, scholarship, and aid offer, you withdraw all other college applications and submit your enrollment deposit for Allegheny by the winter holidays. If your financial aid offer is unsatisfactory, you may request to be released from the Early Decision agreement (but this rarely occurs).

Check out the Net Price Calculator for an early estimate of scholarships and aid from Allegheny.

We offer exclusive benefits to recognize your commitment to Allegheny. As an admitted student under Early Decision, you:

Get Your Decision Early! By applying Early Decision, you’ll receive an admission decision and aid offer weeks or months before other applicants and finalize your college choice before the end of December.
Receive a guaranteed minimum scholarship. If admitted under the Early Decision plan, you’ll receive a Trustee Scholarship of at least $34,000/year, but you could receive an award up to $42,000/year.
Increase Your Chances of Admission. When you apply Early Decision, you are competing amongst a smaller pool of applicants – like hundreds vs. thousands.
Receive First Choice of Housing. Are you interested in living in a single room? First-year students are rarely given this option, but students who enroll under Early Decision have this option.
Enjoy Free Parking! Your parking permit will be free for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Register Early! You will work with an advisor and choose your classes before anyone else.

If you are ready to commit to Allegheny, we encourage you to submit your Early Decision application today!

Students in a classroom

How to Apply Early Decision

Confirm your status as an Early Decision applicant by submitting the Early Decision Agreement Form with all other application materials.

Via Common App Print and Send (PDF)

Early Decision applicants may only submit Regular Decision/non-binding applications to other colleges and universities.

Once Admitted Under Early Decision

If you are admitted to Allegheny College under the Early Decision Plan and your financial aid award is satisfactory, you are obligated to enroll and adhere to the following two requirements:

Submit the $400 enrollment deposit by the date required in the acceptance letter (typically four weeks are given)
Withdraw all applications from other colleges/universities upon acceptance from Allegheny (students must notify each school)

Financial Aid for Early Decision Applicants

Early Decision candidates applying for need-based financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as they are able. Allegheny’s Federal Code is 003230.

Delayed Notification

In some cases, the Admissions Committee will request additional information before making an official decision for Early Decision applicants. The committee may request mid-year grades or new test scores or may ask the student to schedule an interview with an admissions counselor. Any new information will then be considered prior to making a final decision. A candidate’s admission status will not be adversely influenced by the Committee’s request, and applicants should continue the application process.