Class action lawsuit against Notre Dame alleges illegal admissions practices

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A class action lawsuit against Notre Dame and 15 other prestigious universities claims their admissions practices are illegal.

According to the suit, Notre Dame and other elite institutions collude on admissions policies to artificially raise tuition rates, limit financial aid, and benefit wealthy families.

Colleges and universities have an exemption to collaborate on admissions practices as long as they are not admitting students based on how much they can pay.

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division argued that established exemptions do not apply to these institutions.

Agreements between schools on prices and discounts are normally unlawful.

In a response from the institutions, the defendants claim the lawsuit does not show tuition would be lower regardless of the 16 schools collaborating.

They also argued against the notion that it was wrong to give preference to wealthier students, as long as the need for financial aid isn't held against other applicants.

Notre Dame had no comment when contacted by ABC57 NightTeam.

Opening arguments are set for August 2.