Hagens Berman represented payers of spring 2020 tuition and other costs at Rutgers University amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in this class action. Plaintiffs accused the university of “continuing to reap the financial benefit of millions of dollars from students” through campus event fees and other payments, despite sending students home and closing campus. The settlement totaled $5 million.
RUTGERS' COSTS CONTINUE DURING COVID-19
An anonymous parent of a Rutgers University student filed a class-action lawsuit in May 2020 seeking repayment for tuition and other costs the suit says Rutgers was withholding in violation of New Jersey state law, amid the COVID-19-related campus closure, according to attorneys at Hagens Berman.
The lawsuit filed May 20, 2020, in New Jersey superior court in Middlesex County accused the university of breach of contract, unjust enrichment and conversion for “continuing to reap the financial benefit of millions of dollars from students” despite sending students home and closing campus due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus
The suit also highlighted the difference in cost per credit hour between what Rutgers continued to charge for the spring 2020 semester, which was switched to online-only access, compared to its regularly online courses: “…out-of-state residents pay $942 per credit hour for the undergraduate business courses at its Camden School of Business, whereas out-of-state students pay just $550 per credit hour for a fully online bachelor’s degree program at that school.”
ABOUT TUITION AND ROOM AND BOARD CHARGES
According to College Board, published tuition fees for 2018-2019 at state colleges were an average of $10,230 for state residents, and $26,290 for everyone else. This compares to an average of $35,830 at private non-profit colleges. On average, during the 2017-2018 school year, students spent $10,800 on room and board at public four-year institutions. At private non-profit four-year colleges and universities, the average cost goes up to $12,210.
TOP PLAINTIFF RIGHTS FIRM
Hagens Berman is one of the most successful consumer litigation law firms in the U.S. and has achieved more than $325 billion in settlements for consumers in lawsuits against food corporations, automakers, big banks and others. The firm has successfully taken on higher learning institutions as well, achieving hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements for students and alumnae to support campus safety and students' rights. Hagens Berman has achieved many record breaking victories in antitrust matters, and your claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in consumer law.
CASE TIMELINE
Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas granted final approval to the $5 million settlement, and the case is now closed.
Superior Court Judge Alberto Rivas granted preliminary approval to a $5 million settlement on behalf of people who paid Rutgers Spring 2020 Semester fees.
Hagens Berman is investigating universities and colleges across the nation and is seeking to represent students, parents and guardians against any higher education institution that has failed to repay losses due to COVID-19.
Attorneys' investigation includes all colleges and universities nationwide, and the firm is seeking to represent students, parents and guardians regardless of school.
