University of Tampa Spring 2020 COVID-19 tuition reimbursement $3.4M class action settlement

The University of Tampa agreed to pay $3.4 million to resolve class action lawsuit allegations it overcharged for tuition during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The settlement benefits University of Tampa students who paid or whose tuition was paid on their behalf for the spring 2020 semester and who remained enrolled in the university as of March 1, 2020.

Like many universities across America, the University of Tampa did not immediately close campuses in spring 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in March 2020, the university moved its classes to online formats in order to protect professors and students, NBC affiliate WFLA reported.

Although this move was necessary to protect University of Tampa students, individuals quickly took legal action against the university challenging its tuition fees. According to the COVID-19 tuition class action lawsuit, students shouldn’t have been charged full tuition for the spring 2020 semester as a result of classes moving online. 

Plaintiffs in the case argued they deserved refunds for the tuition and fees they paid for the spring 2020 semester. The students contended they didn’t get the full value of their tuition since they were denied in-person education and access to campus resources.

The University of Tampa hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to resolve these claims with a $3.4 million class action lawsuit settlement.

Under the terms of the settlement, class members can collect a cash payment to reimburse them for some of the tuition and fees they paid for the spring 2020 semester. 

Each class member will receive a proportional share of the net settlement fund based on the amount they paid for the semester. Those who paid more in tuition and fees will be eligible for larger shares of the settlement fund, though no estimates are available on the settlement website.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is Aug. 30, 2022. 

The final approval hearing for the University of Tampa tuition settlement is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2022.

Class members who wish to receive their payment to a new address, through an electronic payment format, as a credit towards University of Tampa charges or as a donation to the university’s scholarship fund must complete an election form by Aug. 30, 2022.

Class members do not have to take any action to receive their share of the settlement fund but can update their address on the settlement website to ensure their payment makes it to the right place.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits University of Tampa students who paid or whose tuition was paid on their behalf for the spring 2020 semester and who remained enrolled in the university as of March 1, 2020.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

No proof of purchase applicable

Exclusion and Objection Deadline

08/30/2022

Case Name

D’Amario v. The University of Tampa, Case No. 7:20-cv-03744-CS, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Final Hearing

10/18/2022

Settlement Website

UTSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

UT Settlement
c/o JND Legal Administration
P.O. Box 91244
Seattle, WA 98111
info@UTSettlement.com
888-681-2292

Class Counsel

Philip L Fraietta
Alec M Leslie
Sarah N Westcot
BURSOR & FISHER PA

Defense Counsel

Jonathan M Kozak
JACKSON LEWIS PC