Johnson & Wales University $454,200 Data Breach Settlement

Individuals who received a notice stating the July 2024 security incident involving Johnson & Wales University may have affected their personal information were potentially eligible to claim up to $1,000 from a class action settlement.

Johnson & Wales University agreed to pay $454,200 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging a third-party criminal actor gained unauthorized access to the university’s network, potentially exposing personal information of certain individuals.

Who could file a claim?

Class members were living individuals residing in the United States who received a notice from Johnson & Wales University about the July 2024 data breach.

How much could class members get?

Eligible class members could claim one of two types of cash payments plus up to three years of free credit monitoring:

• Cash payment A – documented losses: Class members could claim up to $1,000 for actual, documented losses the data breach most likely caused. Another source may not have reimbursed the loss. Class members must have made reasonable efforts to avoid the loss or seek reimbursement. Examples of eligible losses included unreimbursed costs related to fraud or identity theft, fees for freezing or unfreezing credit, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as notary, fax, postage, copying, and mileage.
• Cash payment B – alternate cash payment: In lieu of the documented losses payment, class members could opt for a flat payment of $50 without providing documentation. The settlement administrator may adjust the payment depending on the total number of valid claims.
• Credit monitoring: In addition to either cash payment, class members could claim up to three years of free credit monitoring services.

How to claim a settlement payment

Class members needed to submit a claim either online or by mail. The claim deadline was April 6, 2026.

What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?

• Documented losses: Receipts, bank statements or other evidence of the loss
• Alternate cash payment or credit monitoring: No documentation required

Payout options

• PayPal (email address required)
• Venmo (phone number required)
• Physical check (mailing address required)

$454,200 settlement fund breakdown

The $454,200 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $151,400
• Attorneys' costs: To be determined
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,500 each for three class representatives ($7,500 total)
• Payments to approved class members: Remainder of the fund

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: April 6, 2026
• Deadline to submit a claim: April 6, 2026
• Final approval hearing: May 13, 2026
• Final approval granted: May 15, 2026

When is the Johnson & Wales University data breach payout date?

The court granted final approval of the settlement on May 15, 2026. The settlement administrator will distribute payments after it completes claims administration. Claimants should check the official settlement website for updates.

Why was there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged a third-party criminal actor accessed Johnson & Wales University’s network in July 2024, potentially compromising the personal information of certain individuals. The plaintiffs claimed the university failed to adequately protect their information.

Johnson & Wales University denies any wrongdoing or liability, but both parties agreed to settle to avoid the uncertainty, time and expense of further litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Claim form
3. Settlement agreement
4. Final approval order
5. Settlement FAQ