As an Early Decision I (ED I) or Early Decision II (ED II) candidate, you agree to enroll at Syracuse University if admitted to your preferred college.
You may apply to other colleges and universities under a standard or early action plan, with the understanding that you will withdraw these applications if admitted to your first choice program at Syracuse University.
The ED I application deadline is Nov. 1. ED I candidates are typically notified of their admission decision prior to Jan. 1 (by early February for ED II applicants).
Why Early Decision?
Your Application Will Stand Out
We appreciate and recognize your commitment to the institution. Plus, there is a much smaller pool of applications for Early Decision compared to Regular Decision.
You’ll Receive Full Consideration for Financial Aid
All Early Decision applicants receive the same consideration for financial aid and merit scholarships as Regular Decision applicants. Should you be admitted, you’ll receive your financial aid award soon after receiving your admission decision.
Get a Head Start on Research, Travel and More
Early Decision students will receive up to $10,000 to pursue one of two opportunities:
- Experiential Learning: Apply your funding toward research, study abroad, study away or an internship, once you've picked your opportunity.
- Global Online Course: Apply your funding toward online courses designed for incoming first-year students. Completing coursework before your first fall semester can give you greater flexibility to pursue a minor, a second major or another experiential opportunity later in your college career.
You’ll Have a Decision Earlier
Get the application process out of the way and enjoy the rest of your senior year! Save on application fees—if you’re admitted, you don’t have to submit applications to other schools.
Receive Priority in the Housing Selection Process
Early Decision students receive a priority housing selection time based on when they submit their housing application after making their enrollment deposit. This provides earlier access to a wide range of residence halls and room types, including three new residence halls opening in fall 2027.
This priority continues throughout your undergraduate experience, including your sophomore, junior and senior years, as well as your fifth year if you are enrolled in the School of Architecture.
Apply Earlier to Residential Living Learning Communities
Every year more freshmen request to live in one of our highly ranked living learning communities. Acceptance into a Living Learning Community is on a first-come, first-served basis. Early Decision students have early access to the housing application.
Important Information
Early Decision is binding, but only if you're admitted to your first choice of college/program. If you're admitted to your second choice or alternate college/program, you'll have until May 1 to reply to the offer of admission. As noted on the ED Agreement, if you apply for financial aid and are not offered an award that makes attendance possible, you may decline the offer of admission and be released from the ED commitment.
Early Decision Agreement
Submission of the ED Agreement can be done electronically through the Common Application or Coalition Application. If you previously submitted your application, you may submit separately by downloading and completing a PDF of the Common Application ED Agreement or Coalition Application ED Agreement.