Fairleigh Dickinson University COVID Tuition Settlement

Fairleigh Dickinson University has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged breach of contract with its students to provide physically in-person instruction and on-campus educational services for the Spring 2020 Semester. This settlement affects individuals who paid tuition and fees for the Spring 2020 Semester and did not receive a refund after the university transitioned to remote learning in March 2020.

Can I Claim an Award?

If you paid Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Spring 2020 Semester tuition and fees, and you have not received a refund, you are eligible to claim an award from this settlement. This includes students who paid out-of-pocket for tuition and fees for the Spring 2020 Semester.

Who is not Included in the Settlement?

Excluded from the Settlement are those who:

• were students enrolled entirely in an online program at the beginning of the Spring 2020 Semester.
• were students whose gift, aid, or scholarship, regardless of source, equaled or exceeded the cost of tuition and fees for the Spring 2020 Semester.

How Much Can I Get?

Each Class Member will receive a proportionate share of the Settlement Fund, up to $155.00, based on the total out-of-pocket amount of tuition and fees paid for the Spring 2020 Semester, less any outstanding balance owed to FDU for that term.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

While no proof must be attached to your claim form submission, FDU has provided the Settlement Administrator with a list of Class Members and their contact information to verify they are eligible for an award. The Court has also permitted FDU to disclose the Spring 2020 Semester out-of-pocket tuition and fees for each Class Member to the Settlement Administrator.

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you must complete and submit a Claim Form by October 1, 2024. You can submit your claim form online or you may print your claim form and mail it to the claim administrator.

How do I Get Paid?

Class Members can choose to receive their payment via electronic payment (Venmo or PayPal) or by check. If you opt for electronic payment, you will receive an email prompting you to select your payment method. If you choose to receive a check, ensure your mailing address is up-to-date with the Settlement Administrator.

$1,500,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The settlement fund totals $1,500,000. This amount will cover payments to eligible Class Members, the cost of administering the settlement, notice expenses, attorneys’ fees and costs, and incentive awards to the Class Representatives. Class Counsel will seek no more than one-third of the Settlement Fund ($500,000) for attorneys’ fees and expenses. Each Class Representative will receive an incentive award of $5,000 for their role in the lawsuit.

Important Dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: October 1, 2024
• Fairness Hearing: August 22, 2024

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

This class action settlement resolves claims that Fairleigh Dickinson University breached its contract with students by failing to provide physically in-person instruction and on-campus educational services for the Spring 2020 Semester. The university transitioned to remote learning in March 2020 without issuing refunds for tuition and fees. By settling, both parties avoid the uncertainties and expenses associated with ongoing litigation, and Class Members receive compensation.

The next steps include the Final Approval Hearing on August 22, 2024, where the Court will determine whether to approve the settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate. If approved, eligible Class Members will receive their payments within 50 days after the Effective Date of the Settlement.