Georgetown University $1.5M COVID Refund Settlement

If you were enrolled as an undergraduate student at Georgetown University during the Spring 2020 semester and paid or incurred tuition and/or fees, you may be eligible to claim compensation from a class action settlement.

Georgetown University has agreed to pay $1,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit over allegations that it failed to provide in-person education and services during the Spring 2020 semester due to the transition to remote instruction amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who are the class members?

To be considered a class member eligible for compensation, you must meet the following criteria:

• You were enrolled as an undergraduate student at Georgetown University during the Spring 2020 semester.
• You paid or incurred tuition and/or fees from any source other than a scholarship or grant from Georgetown (e.g., personal funds, family contributions, loans, or non-Georgetown scholarships/grants).
• You have not received a full refund of tuition and fees for that semester.

Students who received a full scholarship from Georgetown covering all tuition and fees for the Spring 2020 semester are excluded from the settlement.

How much can class members get?

The settlement fund of $1,500,000 will be distributed among approximately 6,300 class members. After deducting attorneys' fees, service awards, and administrative costs, the remaining amount will be divided pro rata among the class members.

For example, if $500,000 is allocated for attorneys' fees and $75,000 for other costs, $925,000 would be available for distribution. If there are 6,300 class members, each member would receive approximately $146.83.

• Calculation Example:
• Total Settlement Fund: $1,500,000
• Attorneys' Fees: $500,000
• Administrative Costs: $75,000
• Remaining for Distribution: $925,000
• Estimated Payout per Member: $925,000 / 6,300 ≈ $146.83

Class members do not need to take any action to receive their payment. Checks will be mailed to the last known address on file.

Alternatively, members can elect to receive their payment via Venmo or PayPal by completing an Election Form.

Payment methods

• Paper check mailed to the last known address.
• Electronic payment via Venmo or PayPal, if elected.

$1.5 Million settlement fund

The settlement fund of $1,500,000 will cover the following:

• Attorneys' fees: $500,000
• Administrative costs: up to $75,000
• Lead Plaintiff service awards: not to exceed $7,000
• Remaining funds distributed to class members: approximately $925,000

Important dates

• Fairness Hearing: November 21, 2024
• Deadline to File a Claim: Not applicable as no action is needed.

When is the Georgetown University payout date?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on November 21, 2024. If the settlement is approved, payments will be distributed within 60 days, pending any appeals.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit was filed because Georgetown University transitioned to remote instruction during the Spring 2020 semester due to COVID-19, allegedly failing to provide the in-person education and services for which students paid. The settlement avoids the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation.

What happens next?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on November 21, 2024. If the settlement is approved, payments will be distributed within 60 days, and the lawsuit will be dismissed with prejudice.