Manhattan College $742,940 COVID-19 Tuition Settlement

Undergraduate students at Manhattan College (also known as Manhattan University) who, during the spring 2020 semester, paid tuition or fees from any source other than a full Manhattan scholarship or grant may qualify to receive approximately $107.53 from a class action settlement.

Manhattan College agreed to pay $742,940 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it failed to provide partial refunds for tuition and fees after it transitioned to remote instruction in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who are the class members?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They were an undergraduate student enrolled at Manhattan College during the spring 2020 semester.
• They paid tuition and/or fees for that semester or had them paid on their behalf from any source (such as their own funds, family funds or loans) other than a Manhattan College scholarship or grant.
• They did not receive a full refund of their tuition and fees for the spring 2020 semester.

There are approximately 3,000 class members.

How much can class members get?

Each eligible class member will receive a cash payment of approximately $107.53. The final amount may vary depending on the number of eligible class members and total deductions for attorneys’ fees, service awards and administrative costs.

No claim form needed to receive payment

Class members do not need to file a claim to receive their payment. The settlement administrator will automatically mail a check to the last known address on file with Manhattan College. Those who prefer to receive their payment via Venmo or PayPal or who need to update their mailing address must submit an election form.

Payout options

• Paper check mailed to the last known address on file (default payment option)
• Venmo (must submit election form)
• PayPal (must submit election form)

$742,940 settlement fund breakdown

The $742,940 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $247,399
• Attorneys’ expenses: Up to $75,000
• Service award to named plaintiff: Up to $10,000
• Payments to eligible class members: The remainder of the fund

Any remaining funds from uncashed checks will go to a student assistance fund for additional student aid.

Important dates

• Exclusion (opt-out) deadline: Nov. 17, 2025
• Final approval hearing: Jan. 15, 2026

When is the Manhattan College COVID-19 tuition settlement payout date?

The settlement administrator will distribute payments approximately 30 days after it resolves appeals and the court grants final approval of the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged Manhattan College students should receive partial refunds of tuition and fees because the college switched to remote learning in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plaintiffs claimed the value of remote instruction is less than in-person classes and that students should receive compensation for the difference.

Manhattan College denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case to avoid the costs and uncertainties of further litigation.

Sources

1. Settlement agreement
2. Settlement FAQ
3. Election form