Howard University COVID-19 Tuition Refunds Settlement

If you were enrolled in a Howard University Undergraduate or Graduate Program during the Spring 2020 Semester, you may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

Howard University has agreed to pay $2,073,680 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged breach of implied contract and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit claimed that University students paid tuition and fees in exchange for in-person instruction, services, and activities during the Spring 2020 Semester and were entitled to partial refunds based on the University’s transition to remote instruction beginning in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who Can Claim an Award?

Settlement Class Members include:

• Students enrolled in any of Howard University’s Undergraduate and Graduate Programs during the Spring 2020 Semester.
• Students who did not withdraw by March 16, 2020.
• Students who paid, or had paid on their behalf, any amount of tuition and/or fees for the Spring 2020 Semester which has not been fully refunded.

Who is Excluded?

Excluded from the Settlement are:

• Any students who received full scholarships or tuition remission from Howard or who did not themselves ultimately pay any tuition or fees for the Spring 2020 Semester.
• The University and its officers, trustees, and their family members.
• Class Counsel.
• The judge who presided over the Action.
• All persons who properly execute and file a timely opt-out request to be excluded from the Settlement Class.

What Can I Get from the Settlement?

The $2,073,680 Settlement Amount will provide cash payments to all Settlement Class Members. Notice and administration costs, attorneys’ fees and expenses, and an award to the Class Representative will also be paid out of the Settlement Amount, if approved by the Court.

Cash Payment: If you are a Settlement Class Member, you are eligible to receive a cash payment. Your cash payment will be an equal share of the Net Settlement Fund.

If any unclaimed funds remain in the Net Settlement Fund after the initial cash payments are distributed, at the discretion of the Claims Administrator, either (i) a second attempt will be made to distribute cash payments to Settlement Class Members who did not cash their checks or who did not successfully receive an electronic payment via the first distribution of cash payments; or (ii) these unclaimed funds shall help fund a specially authorized Howard scholarship fund or a charitable cause as agreed upon by the Parties.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Proof is not applicable. The claimant does not need to proactively provide proof because the Settlement Administrator already has their information.

How to Claim Your Award

If you are a Settlement Class Member and you do nothing, you will receive a cash payment via check at the address the University has on file for you. If you wish to receive your cash payment at an address different than the one on file with the University or in a format (either by Venmo or a pre-paid Visa card) other than paper check, you must submit your updated address and/or preferred form of payment at within 45 days of the Effective Date.

How do I Get Paid?

Settlement Class Members can choose to receive their cash payment via check, Venmo, or pre-paid Visa card. If no preference is indicated, the payment will be sent by check to the address the University has on file.

$2,073,680 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $2,073,680. This amount will be used to provide cash payments to Settlement Class Members, cover notice and administration costs, pay attorneys’ fees and expenses, and provide an award to the Class Representative.

The breakdown is as follows:

• Total Settlement Amount: $2,073,680
• Attorneys’ Fees: Up to one-third of the Settlement Fund
• Class Representative Award: No more than $5,000
• Notice and Administration Costs: To be deducted from the Settlement Fund
• Net Settlement Fund: The remaining amount to be distributed equally among Settlement Class Members

Important Dates

• Deadline to Exclude Yourself from the Settlement: September 23, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: October 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET

When will Awards be Paid?

Awards will be paid after the Court approves the Settlement and any appeals are resolved.

Why is there a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit alleged that Howard University students paid tuition and fees in exchange for in-person instruction, services, and activities during the Spring 2020 Semester and were entitled to partial refunds based on the University’s transition to remote instruction beginning in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The University denies all allegations and maintains that it transitioned to remote instruction to protect the health of its students, faculty, and staff and in compliance with mandatory government shutdown orders. The Court has not decided who is right.

What Happens Next?

The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on October 1, 2024, to decide whether to approve the Settlement. If the Settlement is approved, cash payments will be distributed to Settlement Class Members after any appeals are resolved.