<p>Early Decision is mainly good for students who have that one dream school they want to attend above all others. Schools want students who want the schools. Financial aid is generally not a factor, being based on FAFSA/Profile, not when you apply. ED is not good for students who want to or need to compare FA offers, but neither should needy students avoid applying ED to their dream school; if the FA offer is not sufficient to allow attendance, you just say thanks but no thanks, and apply RD elsewhere.</p>