This deadline has passed, but here’s another class action for you.
The Financial Aid Antitrust (Caltech, Johns Hopkins) Class Action Settlement alleges that 17 prominent universities, including the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Johns Hopkins University, conspired to limit financial aid by adopting common principles for determining aid, thereby inflating the net price of attendance in violation of federal antitrust laws.
Who Qualifies for a Payout in This Settlement?
Individuals who, during the specified class periods, (a) enrolled in full-time undergraduate programs at any of the 17 defendant universities, (b) received need-based financial aid, and (c) had tuition, fees, room, or board not fully covered by grants or scholarships (excluding loans). The class periods are:
- For Chicago, Columbia, Cornell, Duke, Georgetown, MIT, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Penn, Rice, Vanderbilt, Yale: Fall Term 2003 through February 28, 2024.
- For Brown, Dartmouth, Emory: Fall Term 2004 through February 28, 2024.
- For Caltech: Fall Term 2019 through February 28, 2024.
- For Johns Hopkins: Fall Term 2021 through February 28, 2024.
Is It Necessary to Provide Proof (or Proof of Purchase)?
Yes, claimants must provide documentation verifying their enrollment, receipt of need-based financial aid, and that their aid did not fully cover tuition, fees, room, and board during the relevant class period. Acceptable documentation includes transcripts, diplomas, financial aid award letters, or payment receipts.
What Amount Can I Receive from This Settlement?
The exact payment amount for each claimant will be determined based on factors such as the average net price paid (tuition, fees, room, and board minus grants and scholarships) and the number of academic years attended during the class period. The total settlement fund from Caltech and Johns Hopkins is $35.25 million, which will be distributed among eligible claimants after deducting legal fees, administrative costs, and other expenses.
How Can I Submit My Claim?
Claim forms will be made available after the Court grants final approval of the settlements. Eligible class members will be notified and provided with instructions on how to submit a claim. Claims can be submitted online, via email, or by mail. To receive updates and ensure you receive a claim form, register on the settlement website.
Important Dates
- Exclusion Deadline: April 9, 2025
- Objection Deadline: April 9, 2025
- Final Approval Hearing: June 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT
Please note that the claim submission deadline will be established after the Court’s final approval of the settlements. For more information and to register for updates, visit the settlement website.
