Monmouth University COVID-19 tuition refunds $1.3M class action settlement

Monmouth University agreed to a $1.3 million settlement to resolve claims it failed to refund customers for on-campus tuition during COVID-19 closures.

The settlement benefits people who paid spring 2020 tuition and fees to Monmouth University, or who benefited from the payment, and whose tuition and fees have not been refunded by the university.

Monmouth is a New Jersey university that boasts a low student to teacher ration, over 100 student clubs and organizations, sports teams and more. According to a class action lawsuit against the university, Monmouth University students didn’t get the full value of their on-campus tuition when the school closed due to COVID-19 in 2020.

Like many other universities, Monmouth University transitioned to remote learning in March 2020 for much of the spring 2020 semester. This move allowed students to continue learning while staying safe in a growing pandemic. 

However, according to a class action lawsuit from Monmouth students, they did not receive the full benefit of their tuition.

Students claim they overpaid for tuition and fees because they were no longer living on campus, using on-campus resources and participating in campus life through student organizations. The tuition class action lawsuit sought refunds for excess tuition paid by Monmouth University students.

Monmouth hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $1.3 million class action settlement to resolve these allegations.

“Monmouth University denied the plaintiffs’ allegations claiming that all its actions in providing a virtual educational environment were lawful, made in good faith, and enabled students to complete their education without interruption,” the university maintains in its public statement.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members will receive cash payments. 

Payments will represent a proportional share of the net settlement fund based on the amount each class member paid for on-campus tuition and fees for the spring 2020 semester. Payments are capped at $155 and may be reduced if class members still owe Monmouth University for 2019-2020 academic year charges. No payment estimates are available at this time.

Excess funds from the settlement will not revert to Monmouth University. Instead, the money will be used to create a scholarship fund created by Monmouth University to benefit students with unmet financial needs. 

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Dec. 5, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the Monmouth University COVID-19 tuition refund settlement is scheduled for Dec. 20, 2022.

In order to receive settlement benefits, class members must submit a valid claim form by Feb. 3, 2023.

Who’s Eligible

People who paid Spring 2020 tuition and fees to Monmouth University, or who benefited from the payment, and whose tuition and fees have not been refunded by the university.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

02/03/2023

Case Name

Fittipaldi, et al. v. Monmouth University, Case No. 3:20-CV-05526-RLS, in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Final Hearing

12/20/2022

Settlement Website

MonmouthSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Monmouth Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 301132
Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132
info@Monmouthsettlement.com
844-518-3934

Class Counsel

Philip L Fraietta
BURSOR & FISHER PA

Defense Counsel

Angelo Stio III
TROUTMAN PEPPER HAMILTON SANDERS LLP