University of Pennsylvania Class Action Says Students Owed Refunds

A recent class action lawsuit argues that the University of Pennsylvania should refund its students for tuition and other fees due to coronavirus closures.

Plaintiff Asha Smith says that, despite doing the “right thing” by closing campus and transitioning to online-only classes in light of the coronavirus outbreak, UPenn has failed to provide refunds to students for tuition and other fees.

According to the University of Pennsylvania class action lawsuit, students haven’t been able to get the full benefit of their tuition due to campus closures.

Smith was reportedly enrolled for the spring 2020 semester at the university on a full-time basis, for which she says she paid for out-of-pocket and with student loans.

Similarly to other students, Smith allegedly chose to enroll at the University of Pennsylvania due to its high standard of teaching provided through in-person classes. However, due to coronavirus closures, Smith has reportedly been denied these benefits.

Have you been denied a refund by your college or university? Get legal help by clicking here.

According to the University of Pennsylvania class action lawsuit, the level and quality of online classes is lower than the level and quality provided by in-person classes.

For example, some of the classes at UPenn are allegedly being taught via pre-recorded lectures. Unlike livestream classes or in-person classes, these lectures reportedly offer no opportunity for students to engage with the content.

Smith claims that online classes have denied her and other University of Pennsylvania students a variety of benefits such as: access to computer labs; study rooms; libraries; student governance and student unions; extracurricular activities; student culture; social development and independence; networking; and more.

“Although defendant is still offering some level of academic instruction via online classes, plaintiffs and members of the proposed tuition Class have been and will be deprived the benefits of on campus learning,” the University of Pennsylvania class action lawsuit claims.

“Moreover, the value of any degree issued on the basis of online or pass/fail classes will be diminished for the rest of their lives.”

Because these and other benefits have been denied to students, the University of Pennsylvania class action lawsuit argues that certain fees and partial tuition should be refunded.

Unfortunately, the university has allegedly refused to refund students despite legal action and a Change.org petition which has more than 1,300 signatures.

Smith notes that the University of Pennsylvania refused to apply for assistance under the CARES Act, with the university arguing that they are financially able to meet student needs without additional funding.

“Despite the serious financial impact to Penn as a result of the pandemic, after analyzing the full scope of the regulations involved, Penn has determined that it will not apply for nor accept the funds that would be available through the CARES Act,” the University of Pennsylvania said in a statement.

“Although Penn is declining to apply for these particular federal funds, our commitment to providing financial aid and support to students in need is unwavering, and we will continue to do all that we can to ensure the educational success of all Penn students.”

However, the University of Pennsylvania has allegedly failed to support their students by providing refunds.

Smith seeks to represent two Classes of UPenn students. First, she seeks to represent a Tuition Class of students who paid tuition for spring 2020 and were enrolled in classes but were forced to use online learning. Second, Smith seeks to represent a Fee Class of UPenn students who paid fees for the spring 2020 semester.

The University of Pennsylvania class action lawsuit seeks restitution, disgorgement, injunctive relief, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.

Several other universities have been faced with tuition refund class action lawsuits from students who argue that they have been denied benefits due to campus closures and the transition to online classes.

Cornell University, another Ivy League university, faces a class action lawsuit from students who say that they deserve to have thousands of dollars in tuition fees refunded to them.

Both the University of California and California State University faced a tuition refund class action from students who argue that they are not getting the full benefit of their tuition, room and board, or other fees.

Smith and the proposed Class are represented by Stuart A. Carpey of Carpey Law PC and Eric M. Poulin and Roy T. Willey IV of Anastopoulo Law Firm LLC.

The University of Pennsylvania Tuition Refund Class Action Lawsuit is Smith v. University of Pennsylvania, Case No. 2:20-cv-02086, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.

Join a Free Coronavirus College Refund Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If your college or university closed because of the coronavirus, but you did not receive a refund for tuition, room and board or other fees, you may be able to join this coronavirus school refund class action lawsuit investigation.

Join Here

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

A Guide to the Effects of Student Loan Debt

Truckers Misclassified as Independent Contractors Seek Benefits Amid COVID-19 Challenges

Preventing Sexual Assault: What Can School Staff Do?

Flight Attendants Seek $60 Million in Virgin America Wage Lawsuit