Early Decision Now Available at Scranton
NEW FOR FALL 2026 APPLICANTS
The University of Scranton is offering Early Decision for Fall 2026! This is an amazing opportunity to become a Royal if you’re confident that The University of Scranton is your top choice. You can apply through Early Decision on the Common Application. If accepted, you will commit to becoming a Royal and get excited about your future at Scranton!
Please note: Early Decision is binding, and if you are accepted through Early Decision to Scranton, you must withdraw applications to other institutions and enroll at Scranton. You are not permitted to apply to other binding Early Decision programs; however, you can apply to non-restrictive Early Action programs at other institutions.
Click here to review Early Decision Frequently Asked Questions.
Benefits of applying Early Decision
Early Decision applicants are part of a much smaller pool of candidates.
Your application is reviewed among hundreds of applicants through Early Decision instead of among thousands during Early Action and Regular Decision review.
You’ll complete your college search months ahead of other applicants.
When you receive your admission decision and merit-based scholarship as early as mid-September, you’ll be months ahead of other applicants who are still waiting to see where they’ve been accepted.
You’ll be the first to receive your merit-based scholarship and/or need-based financial aid package.
You’ll be among the first students in the class to receive your merit scholarship and/or need-based financial aid award. Applicants to Scranton are automatically evaluated for merit scholarships — no separate application is required.
To apply for need-based financial aid, you will need to complete and submit the FAFSA or CSS profile, both which open on October 1, within two weeks of submitting your Early Decision application. If you apply Early Decision before October 1, you will need to complete the FAFSA or CSS profile by October 15.
You’ll receive the same need-based financial aid package you would receive as an Early Action or Regular Decision applicant.
Have a stress-free senior year!
You’ll be done with the college search early so you can enjoy the final months of high school with your friends, knowing that you're already committed to your top choice school!
Early Decision Timeline
- Application Deadline: November 15 but you can apply as early as August 1.
- Notification: Begins mid-September.
- Deposit Due: Two weeks following the receipt of your financial aid package. If you are not filing a FAFSA or CSS profile for need-based financial aid, your deposit will be due two weeks following your decision.
What are the possible Early Decision outcomes/decisions?
When you apply Early Decision to Scranton, you may expect one of three outcomes: Admit, Defer/Wait List, or Deny.
- ADMIT -- If you are accepted for the upcoming fall term, you are expected to withdraw your applications from all other schools and enroll at The University of Scranton.
- DEFER OR WAIT LIST -- Early Decision applicants may be deferred to another applicant pool, such as the Regular Decision applicant pool, or placed on the Wait List.
- DENY -- A deny through Early Decision is a final decision, and students are not eligible to reapply in the same year. Students may reapply for the following spring or fall term as a first-year applicant or transfer student.
Early Decision Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA)?plus or minus
Early Decision is a "binding" agreement, meaning if you apply to Scranton through the Early Decision application, you are committing to attend if accepted to the university. You should only apply to one college Early Decision and once you receive your acceptance, cancel any other applications you have submitted.
Early Action is "non-binding," meaning you are free to apply to other colleges and receive their admission decisions before selecting the school you will attend.
2. Can I apply Early Decision at Scranton and Early Action at another school at the same time?plus or minus
Yes. However, since Early Decision is a "binding" agreement, if you’re accepted to both Scranton in Early Decision and another school through Early Action, you must enroll at Scranton.
3. If I want to submit test scores as part of my application, when is the deadline to submit them?plus or minus
Since Scranton is test optional for admission, test scores are not a required component of the first-year application. If you would like to include test scores for review in your application and are applying Early Decision, testing must be completed by the last October test date to ensure receipt of scores.
4. Will I receive a better need-based financial aid package if I apply Early Decision?plus or minus
No. You’ll receive the same need-based financial aid package you would receive as an Early Action or Regular Decision applicant.
Please note: You won’t be able to compare financial aid packages from other schools if you apply Early Decision. Do not feel pressure to apply early decision if finances are a concern.
5. Will I receive a higher scholarship if I apply Early Decision?plus or minus
No. You’ll receive the same consideration for merit-based scholarships as Early Action and Regular Decision applicants.
6. What if I can’t complete my application on time?plus or minus
You can request a decision plan change before decisions are released. To make a request to change your decision plan, contact admissions@scranton.edu.
7. What happens if I can’t afford Scranton after I get accepted Early Decision?plus or minus
You can request a release from your binding Early Decision obligation to Scranton or you can change your application to Early Action at Scranton. To make a request to change your decision plan, contact admissions@scranton.edu.