Ithaca College $1.5M COVID Tuition Class Action Settlement
If you were an Ithaca College undergraduate or graduate student enrolled on campus during spring 2020, you may be entitled to a cash payment from the $1.5 million COVID-19 tuition settlement. Most students don’t need to submit a claim—payments will be sent automatically. Update your address or choose e-payment here.
Download Claim Form (PDF)Who Is Eligible?
You are included if you:
- Enrolled as an on-campus undergraduate or graduate student during the spring 2020 semester,
- Did not withdraw before 23 Mar 2020,
- Paid any portion of spring 2020 tuition or mandatory fees (excluding Ithaca-provided scholarships/grants), and
- Did not receive a full refund of those charges.
Who Is Excluded?
- Students who registered for online-only classes at the start of spring 2020,
- Students whose Ithaca scholarships/grants exceeded tuition and fee costs, and
- Students who left, withdrew, or graduated before 23 Mar 2020.
What You Can Receive
- Pro-rata cash payment—your share of the net settlement fund based on what you paid in spring 2020.
- $800 graduate-tuition credit (excluding physician-assistant programs) if you attend Ithaca College graduate school.
- Complimentary alumni-weekend ticket valid for two years after the settlement’s effective date.
How & When Payments Are Issued
No claim form is required. By default, a check will be mailed roughly 60 days after final approval (hearing set for 28 Oct 2025). Prefer e-payment? Submit the online election form by 5 Oct 2025 with the Apex ID and PIN from your notice and choose:
- Venmo
- PayPal
- Paper check (default)
Important Dates
- Election-form deadline: 5 Oct 2025
- Final approval hearing: 28 Oct 2025
- Estimated payment date: ~60 days after approval
Why the Case Settled
The lawsuit (Akerman v. Ithaca College, Case No. 3:23-cv-1565-ECC-TWD) claimed Ithaca breached its contract with students by moving to remote learning and closing campus facilities during COVID-19, depriving students of in-person services. Ithaca College denies wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid further litigation costs and uncertainty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to file a claim for the Ithaca College $1.5M COVID Tuition Class Action Settlement?
No. Eligible students will be paid automatically. File the online form only if you want to receive Venmo/PayPal or update your mailing address.
How much money will I get?
Your cash award will depend on the share of net tuition and fees you paid for spring 2020 compared with all class members.
What happens if I miss the Oct 5 2025 election deadline?
You will still receive a paper check at your last known address but cannot choose an electronic option.
Is the $800 tuition credit transferable?
No. The credit can only be used by the class member for eligible Ithaca College graduate programs.
Where can I get more information?
Visit the official settlement site at ithacarefundlawsuit.com or contact Apex Class Action Administration at 800-355-0700.