AMHERST, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A class-action federal lawsuit was filed last week in Massachusetts regarding 32 universities that allegedly violated the federal antitrust law in their early admissions programs.

The list of universities named in the lawsuit includes Amherst College, Mount Holyoke and Smith College among other universities across the country.

The lawsuit filed by four students claims early admissions programs drive up tuition costs for all students, even those not admitted during early decision, thus supporting economically-induced education gaps as early decision programs gain admission agreements before financial aid packages can be compared.

If the plaintiffs win their case, early decision programs may be forced to change.