I’ve made a list of 10 schools in looking at. Based on Niche’s scores for accepted and attending students, I range from the 43rd percentile (of the most selective school on my list) to the 81st of the least selective. The 41st percentile school is the only real “reach” on my list, with most others falling in the 70s. If the most selective is my top choice, should I apply early decision there, or apply ED to one of the schools in the 70s?
Early Decision is binding and I wouldn’t recommend doing it unless you are dead-set on attending a particular school as long as you get in. While you can get out of the binding aspect based on finances, I’m not sure how extreme that ceiling is and you may find yourself forcibly incurring excessive debt & buried in student loans
It would be easier to answer your question if you post your stats, your financial situation, and the names of the 2 colleges.
If you are asking which of 10 schools you should apply ED, I say NONE. You don’t mention a clear favorite. Is the most selective college really your top choice - it didn’t sound like it.