If you were a student at the University of Rochester during Spring 2020, Summer 2020, or Fall 2020, you may be eligible for a tuition settlement due to the school’s shift from in-person classes to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s everything you need to know about the University of Rochester tuition settlement, including eligibility, how to file a claim, payment options, and deadlines.
The settlement addresses claims that students who paid tuition and mandatory fees for in-person classes during the 2020 semesters were entitled to partial refunds after the University transitioned courses online due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The University of Rochester denies any wrongdoing or liability and does not admit that class treatment would have been appropriate if the case went to trial. The settlement, if approved, resolves all claims for participating students and allows them to receive compensation without continuing the litigation
A class action is a lawsuit where one person, called a Class Representative, sues on behalf of a group with similar claims. In this case, the group is made up of students who paid for in-person courses but received online instruction instead.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →If the settlement is approved, all members of the Potential Settlement Class will be eligible for a payout, except for those who choose to opt out.
Who Is Eligible for University of Rochester Tuition Settlement?
You are part of the Potential Settlement Class if you:
- Were enrolled in in-person courses at the University of Rochester in Spring, Summer, or Fall 2020.
- Paid tuition and/or mandatory fees for those courses.
- Did not receive all classes in person.
Exclusions:
- Students who only took online classes.
- Students who received a full refund, Gift Aid, or scholarships covering tuition and fees for affected semesters.
- University judges, administrators, employees, and their families.
- Anyone who submits a valid request to opt out of the settlement.
What Are My Options?
Potential Settlement Class Members have three main options:
1. Receive a Payment
The settlement fund is $3.5 million. After attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and a service award for the Named Plaintiff, the remaining amount will be divided among eligible students based on the settlement formula.
- Payments will be sent electronically if the settlement administrator has your email.
- Otherwise, a check will be mailed to your address.
- You may also choose to donate your payment to the University’s Basic Needs Fund, which supports students in emergencies.
For questions or updates, contact the Settlement Administrator:
Phone: (833) 215-9289
Email: questions@URSettlement.com
2. Exclude Yourself
If you do not want to participate, you can opt out. You will not receive a payment but retain your right to file a separate lawsuit against the University.
To opt out:
- Mail a signed, written request to:
Carstairs v. University of Rochester, c/o Settlement Administrator, P.O. Box 16, West Point, PA 19486 - Include your full name, address, phone number, and a statement:
“I request to be excluded from the Settlement Class in the matter of Daniel Carstairs v. University of Rochester.” - Postmark your request at least 30 days before the Final Approval Hearing (November 13, 2026).
3. Object to the Settlement
If you want to participate but disagree with any part of the settlement, you can file an objection with the Court. Objections must be in writing and submitted 30 days before the Final Approval Hearing.
Your objection must include:
- Your name, address, and phone number.
- Details of your objection and whether it applies to you, a subset of the class, or the entire class.
- Any exhibits or witnesses you intend to present.
- Whether you plan to appear at the hearing in person or with counsel.
Send copies to the Settlement Administrator, Class Counsel, and the University’s lawyers.
Compensation for Class Counsel and Named Plaintiff
- Named Plaintiff: Up to $5,000 service award from the settlement fund.
- Class Counsel: Attorneys may receive up to 33.33% of the fund ($1,166,666.66) for fees, costs, and expenses.
Rights You Give Up
By staying in the settlement, you cannot sue the University or related parties for claims related to the transition from in-person to online courses during Spring, Summer, or Fall 2020. This includes claims for breach of contract, negligence, or other legal actions connected to COVID-19 changes at the University.
If you opt out, these rights remain yours.
University of Rochester Tuition Settlement Payment Timeline
Cash awards will be issued after the Court grants Final Approval. Payments are expected within 60–90 days after approval and resolution of any appeals.
Check the Settlement Website or contact the Settlement Administrator for updates.
Final Approval Hearing
The Final Approval Hearing will be held:
Date: November 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Location: U.S. District Court, Western District of New York, 100 State Street, Rochester, NY 14614
The hearing may be virtual. The Court will review:
- Fairness of the settlement
- Certification of the class
- Objections and requests for attorney fees or service awards
Where to Get More Information
For documents and updates:
- Settlement Agreement & Case Documents
- Settlement Administrator: (833) 215-9289, questions@URSettlement.com
- Class Counsel:
- James A. Francis – FRANCIS MAILMAN SOUMILAS, P.C., jfrancis@consumerlawfirm.com
- Yvette Golan – THE GOLAN FIRM PLLC, ygolan@tgfirm.com
Do not contact the Judge, Clerk, or University—they cannot provide legal advice.
