University of Rochester $3.5M COVID-19 Tuition Settlement
Were you charged tuition or mandatory fees for in-person University of Rochester courses in spring, summer or fall 2020 that ended up online? You could automatically receive a share of a $3.5 million cash fund. Read on for eligibility, payment details and key deadlines, then confirm your contact info with the settlement administrator to ensure you get paid.
Who is eligible?
You are part of the settlement class if all the following apply:
- Enrolled as a student or learner at the University of Rochester.
- Paid (or someone paid on your behalf) tuition and/or mandatory fees—including academic service, activity, campus health and course fees.
- Registered for in-person classes in the spring 2020, summer 2020 or fall 2020 semesters.
- Your courses were switched to remote or online delivery.
- The classes were within a degree- or certificate-bearing University of Rochester program.
Who is NOT included?
- Students who never enrolled in any in-person classes during those semesters.
- Students whose entire schedule stayed fully in-person.
- Students whose tuition and mandatory fees for the relevant semester(s) were completely covered by refunds, gift aid or scholarships.
Potential payout
After court-approved deductions, the net fund will be shared pro rata based on:
- How much tuition/fees you paid for each covered semester.
- The percentage of your credit hours that moved online.
- Only 50 % of spring 2020 is counted (representing the half of the term that was remote).
If money remains after the first round, a second distribution will be issued to class members who cashed their initial payments—unless that secondary amount would be under $10 per person.
How and when will I get paid?
- No claim form is required. The settlement administrator already has the data needed to calculate each payment.
- Payments will be sent automatically by electronic transfer (if a valid email is on file) or by paper check (if only a mailing address is available).
- Estimated payout timing: roughly 61 days after the court grants final approval and any appeals are resolved.
Key dates
- Opt-out/Exclusion deadline: October 14, 2025
- Final approval hearing: November 13, 2025
Why is there a settlement?
Students alleged that the University of Rochester breached its contract by continuing to charge full tuition and fees after shifting to remote instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the university denies wrongdoing, it agreed to a $3.5 million settlement to avoid further litigation cost and uncertainty.
Settlement resources
For the full notice, FAQs and future updates, visit the official website:
Contact the Settlement Administrator
Carstairs v. University of Rochester
c/o Settlement Administrator
P.O. Box 16
West Point, PA 19486
Phone: 833-215-9289
Email: questions@URSettlement.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to submit a claim for the University of Rochester $3.5M COVID-19 Tuition Settlement?
No. Eligible students will receive payment automatically; you only need to make sure the administrator has your correct contact information.
How will my individual payment from the University of Rochester settlement be calculated?
The administrator will apply a formula that weighs how much tuition and mandatory fees you paid and what portion of your credit hours shifted online for each covered semester.
Can I exclude myself from the University of Rochester tuition settlement?
Yes. You must send a written request for exclusion postmarked by October 14, 2025. Details are provided in the long-form notice on the settlement website.
What happens to unclaimed or leftover settlement money?
If funds remain after two distribution rounds, the balance will be donated to the University of Rochester’s Basic Needs Fund as a cy pres award.
Where can I read the full settlement agreement?
The full settlement agreement and court documents are available under “Documents” at URSettlement.com.