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Vassar Named in Class-Action Lawsuit Alleging Conspiracy to Inflate Tuition Prices

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A class-action lawsuit brought by three college students and a recent graduate alleges that Vassar College and 31 other selective colleges and universities participated in an illegal conspiracy to inflate their tuition prices. At the center of the lawsuit is the Early Decision (ED) process, which the plaintiffs claim is inaccurately presented to applicants as a legally binding agreement. This alleged agreement allows colleges to raise the price of tuition and fees for ED applicants, then subsequently raise tuition costs for all admitted students.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawsuit alleges that Vassar and 31 other selective colleges and universities participated in an illegal conspiracy to inflate their tuition prices.
  • The plaintiffs claim that the Early Decision process is inaccurately presented to applicants as a legally binding agreement, which allows colleges to raise the price of tuition and fees for ED applicants.
  • The U.S. News and World Report listed Vassar's ED admissions rate at 33 percent, compared to an overall 18.6 percent acceptance rate for the Class of 2028.
  • Vassar's Vice President of Communications, Victoria Grantham, stated that the College does not share early decision lists or names with other institutions and meets 100% of demonstrated need regardless of the admission round.
  • Several Vassar students spoke about how their belief that ED was a binding agreement influenced their college application processes, with some choosing not to apply ED to any schools.
  • The lawsuit aims for an injunction barring the use of binding ED, restitution for students forced to pay more than they would have without the alleged conspiracy, and reforms to future admissions and financial aid practices.

Statistics:

  • 33%: Vassar's ED admissions rate (U.S. News and World Report, Class of 2028)
  • 18.6%: Overall acceptance rate for the Class of 2028 (U.S. News and World Report)

Sources:

  • Langer Grogan and Diver (press release)
  • The Miscellany News (email from Victoria Grantham)
  • Cohen Milstein Sellers and Toll (firm's website)
  • Vassar College (website)
  • U.S. News and World Report (Class of 2028 rankings)

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