Lee University $1.75M Data Breach Class Action Settlement

Current and former students and other individuals whom Lee University notified that their private information may have been compromised in a data breach on or around March 22, 2024, may be eligible to submit a claim for up to $5,000, plus additional benefits, from a class action settlement. The cyberattack impacted 136,928 people.

Lee University agreed to pay $1.75 million to settle a class action lawsuit. The plaintiffs alleged the university failed to adequately protect sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account details and medical information.

Who can file a claim for a data breach payout?

Class members are individuals whose private information may have been compromised in the data breach Lee University discovered on or around March 2024, including those who received notice of the incident.

How much can class members get?

Class members have the following benefit options:

• Cash payment A – documented losses: Class members can claim up to $5,000 per claimant for documented out-of-pocket losses directly related to the data breach. The settlement administrator will determine the final payment amount by the number of claims filed.
• Cash payment B – cash payment: All class members can also submit a claim to receive a pro rata cash payment estimated at $100. The settlement administrator will determine the final payment amount by the number of claims filed.
• Credit monitoring services: All class members can elect to receive one year of one-bureau credit monitoring services even if they previously accepted credit monitoring from Lee University. Services include real-time alerts and up to $1,000,000 in medical identity theft insurance coverage.

How to claim a class action rebate

To receive a settlement payment, class members can file a claim online or print the PDF claim form to complete and mail to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Harris v. Lee University, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 5324, New York, NY 10150-5324.

The claim deadline is Aug. 19, 2026.

Required claim information and proof

• All claims require the class member ID from the settlement notice the class member received.
• Documented losses claims require third-party documentation, such as receipts, bills or correspondence showing monetary losses related to the data breach and other proof of fraud or identity theft.

Payout options

• Electronic payment
• Paper check mailed to the address provided (only option for mailed claims)

Settlement fund breakdown

The $1,750,000 settlement fund will include:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys' fees and costs: Up to $583,333.33
• Service awards to class representatives: Up to $2,500 each
• Credit monitoring: Cost determined by number of claims filed
• Payments to approved claimants: Remaining settlement funds

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: Aug. 4, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: Aug. 19, 2026
• Final approval hearing: Sept. 3, 2026

When is the Lee University data breach settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments to approved claimants approximately 75 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit claimed a data breach at Lee University allegedly exposed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, government-issued IDs, financial account details and medical information. The plaintiffs claimed Lee University failed to adequately protect this information.

Lee University denies the allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and risk of continued litigation.

Sources

1. Class notice
2. Settlement website FAQ page
3. Claim form