Students from Boston University filed a class-action lawsuit against the university demanding repayment for tuition, room and board and other costs amid COVID-19-related campus closures and residence hall shutdowns.
ABOUT TUITION AND ROOM AND BOARD CHARGES
According to College Board, published tuition fees for 2018-2019 at state colleges are 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 $320 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.
NO COST TO YOU
There is no cost or fee whatsoever involved in joining this case. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the class' legal team. In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum.
CASE TIMELINE
On April 7, 2023, U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns dismissed the breach of contract and other claims brought against Boston University. Hagens Berman attorneys respectfully disagree with the ruling and filed an appeal on April 24, 2023, with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. The firm has so far achieved multiple settlements with other colleges and universities regarding this same issue and believes that BU students deserve the same accountability afforded to their peers at other institutions.
In the lawsuit brought against Boston University regarding reimbursement for tuition during the outbreak of COVID-19 and campus closure, U.S. District Judge Richard G. Stearns upheld breach of contract claims premised on payment of tuition and fees for in-person education. The judge’s order also allows breach of contract claims to continue regarding BU’s failure to provide access to on-campus facilities and resources. Judge Stearns also upheld claims of unjust enrichment regarding in-person instruction and on-campus facility access.
