Robert Morris University $947,784 COVID Tuition Settlement

Students enrolled at Robert Morris University during the spring 2020 semester who satisfied their payment obligations for tuition and/or mandatory fees and attended at least one in-person, on-campus class at the beginning of the semester may be eligible to claim a cash payment from a class action settlement.

Robert Morris University agreed to pay $947,784 to resolve a class action lawsuit alleging breach of contract and unjust enrichment related to its transition to remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawsuit claimed students were entitled to partial refunds of tuition and mandatory fees after RMU discontinued in-person classes in spring 2020.

Who are the class members?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• They enrolled as a student at Robert Morris University during the spring 2020 semester.
• They satisfied their payment obligations to the university for tuition and/or mandatory fees for that semester.
• They enrolled in at least one class that met in-person and on-campus at the beginning of the spring 2020 semester.

The university used its records to identify eligible class members.

Who is excluded from the class?

• Students whose tuition and fee obligations for spring 2020 Robert Morris University completely funded (such as through full university-funded scholarships)
• The university itself, as well as its officers, directors, agents, trustees, parents, children, corporations, representatives, employees, principals, servants, partners, joint venturers and entities controlled by the university
• The university’s heirs, successors, assigns or other persons or entities related to or affiliated with the university and/or its officers

How much can class members receive?

The total settlement fund is $947,784. After deducting attorneys’ fees, administrative costs and a service award for the class representative, the settlement administrator will distribute the remaining amount as follows:

• 80% of the net settlement fund to eligible class members
• 20% in an unrestricted fund for the benefit of RMU students

The settlement administrator will calculate the amount each class member will receive on a pro rata basis. This means each person's payment will be based on the proportion of spring 2020 tuition and fees they paid (after subtracting any financial aid, unpaid balances or prior refunds) compared to the total paid by all class members.

No action needed to receive compensation

Most class members do not need to file a claim to receive payment. The settlement administrator will automatically send payments by first class U.S. mail to the last known address on file with the university registrar.

Those who need to update their address or would prefer to receive payment via Venmo or PayPal may do so by submitting an online election form or by downloading, printing, completing and mailing the PDF election form to the settlement administrator. Class members must update their payment preferences within 45 days after the settlement’s effective date, which the settlement administrator will post on the settlement website when determined.

Settlement administrator’s mailing address: RMU COVID Settlement, c/o RG/2 Claims Administration LLC, P.O. Box 59479, Philadelphia, PA 19102-9479

Payout options

• Venmo
• PayPal
• Paper check

$947,784 settlement fund breakdown

The $947,784 settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: $50,000
• Attorneys’ fees: Up to $315,896
• Attorneys’ costs expenses: Up to $50,000
• Service award to class representative: Up to $2,500
• Payments to eligible class members: The remainder of the net settlement fund

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: Jan. 19, 2026
• Fairness hearing: Feb. 23, 2026

When is the Van Treeck v. Robert Morris University payout date?

The settlement administrator will distribute payments approximately 60 days after the settlement becomes final and effective.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The class action lawsuit alleged Robert Morris University breached its contract with students and was unjustly enriched when it moved classes online in response to the COVID-19 pandemic without providing partial refunds for tuition and mandatory fees.

The university denied all allegations of wrongdoing. However, both sides agreed to settle the case to avoid the risks, costs and delays of further litigation and to provide a prompt resolution for students.

Sources

1. Election form
2. Class notice-FINAL.pdf)
3. Settlement agreement