I find this so interesting. UVA already offered ED from the mid 60’s until 2006, when they stopped, citing issues of access. https://news.virginia.edu/content/university-virginia-end-early-decision-program-admissions
What does UVA sees as different now? ED will still favor higher SES students.
Perhaps they feel they are losing out on good students who ED elsewhere? Do they want to increase proportion of full pays, while remaining need blind? Want to increase their yield?
It will be interesting to see how much of their class they fill in ED and whether they make all the athletes go ED.