Why is ED a bad idea for people with financial need?

Paying for College
19

This is how it recently worked for a student I know with some financial need:

  1. Research colleges.
  2. Research their financial aid through their NPCs.
  3. Apply ED out of a clear preference for one college.
  4. Receive the acceptance and financial aid award. The financial aid award matches the NPC estimate.
  5. Attend college beginning fall of 2016.