Douglas Olsen
Students have sued universities for various reasons, including switching classes to online without consent, misrepresenting the cost of degrees, and failing to provide face-to-face learning opportunities. While some students have sued their universities for switching to online classes without their consent after signing up for in-person classes, others have taken legal action against for-profit institutions for misrepresentation and fraud. In one instance, a student in Japan sued Meisei University, arguing that the university failed to fulfill its contractual obligation to offer face-to-face learning opportunities and let students use its facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has sparked discussions about the rights of students and the responsibilities of educational institutions, particularly during challenging times.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students' concerns | Lack of face-to-face learning opportunities, online courses being offered instead |
| Students' actions | Suing universities, demanding refunds or partial refunds |
| Universities' responses | Refusal to offer rebates, stating financial constraints |
| Reasons for lawsuits | Breach of contract, misrepresentation, fraud |
| University characteristics | For-profit institutions, online programs available at a lower fee |
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What You'll Learn
Students sue universities for switching to online classes
Students have sued universities for switching to online classes, claiming that they were misled and deprived of the education they were promised when they enrolled. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities had to make quick decisions about how to deal with the challenges presented by the virus. Some universities chose to move classes online, while others opted for in-person learning, only to have to close due to outbreaks on campus. This has led to a wave of lawsuits from students who feel they did not get what they paid for.
In one case, the University of New Haven was sued by a student for breach of contract and unjust enrichment after the university refused to reimburse him for changing its spring 2020 semester from in-person to online learning. The student, Krystian Wnorowski, argued that he was deprived of the education he was promised when he enrolled. The University of New Haven is not the only university to face legal action from students over the switch to online classes. The University of Michigan, for example, has also been sued by students seeking refunds for being forced to take classes online during the pandemic.
The University of Michigan, however, argued in a court filing that it had the right to make any changes it wanted to instruction methods and that it did not owe students any refunds for switching to online instruction. The university's lawyers cited academic freedom principles and the state's Constitution, which gives the university's Board of Regents control over how its money is spent. They also referenced the First Amendment, arguing that courts must exercise judicial restraint and respect the faculty's professional judgment regarding academic decisions.
While some students feel that the switch to online classes is a breach of contract and justifies a refund, universities maintain that they are entitled to make decisions about instruction methods and that they are not obligated to provide refunds for changes in instruction. It is important to note that the outcomes of these lawsuits may vary depending on local laws and the specific circumstances of each case. Seeking legal advice from a licensed attorney is advisable for students considering legal action against their educational institutions.
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Students sue universities for not offering in-person classes
Students have sued universities for not offering in-person classes, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In one case, a student at Meisei University in Tokyo, Japan, sued the institution for not offering face-to-face learning opportunities. The student argued that the university acted "against the ministry's request" and failed to fulfil its contractual obligation to let students use its facilities. The student demanded compensation, including a partial refund of tuition fees.
In another case, a group of students at Arizona Board of Regents filed a class-action lawsuit, alleging that their room and board fees should have been refunded after the university refused to offer any rebates on housing or meal plans during the pandemic. Similarly, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Drexel University, seeking a refund of tuition fees and other costs for the 2020 Spring Semester. The lawsuit argued that students were entitled to a refund as the online program offered by the university was lower in fee and, therefore, value.
While some students have chosen to take legal action, it is important to note that the decision to switch to online classes during the pandemic was often made in response to government guidelines and public health concerns. Universities had to make quick decisions to ensure the safety of their students and staff, and many offered only online courses to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus. In some cases, universities provided opportunities for students and professors to interact, even if classes were primarily online.
It is worth considering the potential challenges and costs associated with suing a university for not offering in-person classes. As one source mentions, it may be a waste of money, and the unique circumstances of the pandemic have led many schools to make similar decisions to prioritise the health and safety of their communities. However, students have expressed frustration and disappointment, particularly regarding the quality of education and the lack of social interaction and campus amenities that come with in-person classes.
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Students sue universities for misrepresenting degree costs
Students have sued universities for misrepresenting the costs of their degrees. In December 2023, the Federal Trade Commission sued Grand Canyon University, alleging that the university had deceived students about the cost of its doctoral programs. The university was also accused of misrepresenting itself as a nonprofit college. In response, the university's president, Brian Mueller, stressed that the institution does not mislead students about the cost of its programs and pointed to a 2021 accreditor review supporting this claim.
In another case, a student sued Everest College in Salt Lake City, claiming that the college had misrepresented the cost of her associate's degree. She also alleged that she was told the credits she earned would transfer to a public institution, but upon acceptance into the University of Utah's pre-med program, she discovered that her Everest credits were worthless.
While switching from in-person to online classes without a student's consent may be frustrating and disappointing, it is unlikely to be a successful ground for a lawsuit against a university. The COVID-19 pandemic forced schools across the country to make quick decisions about how to deliver classes, and many opted for virtual learning.
Students have also sued for-profit schools for reasons such as being kicked out shortly before final exams after having paid in full, and being misled about the transferability of credits to traditional institutions.
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Students sue universities for not providing promised amenities
Students have sued universities for a variety of reasons, including the university's failure to provide promised amenities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many universities switched to online learning, and some students felt that this was not what they had paid for. In one case, a student at Meisei University in Japan sued the institution for not offering face-to-face learning opportunities, claiming that the university had failed to fulfil its contractual obligation to let students use its facilities. The student sought compensation of 1.4 million yen ($12,800) in compensation, which included part of the tuition.
In other cases, students have sued universities for failing to provide other promised amenities, such as housing and meal plans. For example, during the pandemic, some universities did not offer refunds for tuition, room, and board, even though students were no longer living on campus or using campus amenities. This led to lawsuits from students demanding refunds for these unused services. In another instance, a student sued Everest College in Salt Lake City, claiming that the college had misrepresented the cost of her associate's degree and told her that her credits would transfer to a public institution, which turned out to be false.
Students have also sued universities for issues related to financial aid. In one case, a group of students lodged a class-action lawsuit against several top private universities, including Brown, Duke, and Yale, accusing them of participating in a price-fixing cartel aimed at eliminating financial aid competition.
It is important to note that while students can sue universities for not providing promised amenities, the success of such lawsuits may vary depending on the specific circumstances and legal framework involved.
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Students sue universities for fixing financial aid offerings
While it is possible to sue universities, it may be a waste of money. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many universities had to make quick decisions about how to deal with the challenges presented by the virus, such as switching to online classes. However, there have been instances where students have successfully sued their universities.
In 2024, a federal class-action lawsuit was filed against 40 private universities, including every Ivy League institution except Princeton University, as well as other elite schools such as Northwestern University, Duke University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Southern California. The lawsuit accused these universities of conspiring to fix financial aid offerings and overcharge students for tuition by including the assets of non-custodial parents in their formulas. The College Board was also named as a defendant for developing the CSS Profile, a financial aid determination methodology that considers the income and assets of non-custodial parents. As a result of the alleged price-fixing conspiracy, plaintiffs claimed that they were left receiving less financial aid than they would have in a fair market.
In addition to the 2024 lawsuit, there have been other instances of students suing universities over financial aid practices. In 2022, students lodged a proposed class-action lawsuit against several top private universities, including Brown, Duke, and Yale, accusing them of participating in a price-fixing cartel aimed at eliminating financial aid competition. In 2012, several class-action lawsuits were filed against for-profit colleges, alleging misrepresentation and fraud in their financial aid offerings. For example, Chelsi Miller sued Everest College in Salt Lake City, claiming that the college misrepresented the cost of her associate's degree and told her that her credits would transfer to a public institution when they did not.
These lawsuits highlight the concerns of students and their families about the rising cost of higher education and the impact of financial aid practices on their ability to access and afford a college education.
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Frequently asked questions
Students can sue universities for not offering classes in person, but it may be a waste of money. For example, a student at Meisei University in Japan is suing the institution for only offering online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The student accused the university of not fulfilling its obligation to offer face-to-face learning opportunities.
Students might feel like they were baited and switched on by the university, signing up and paying for classes that were supposed to be in person, only to have them moved online. They might also feel that the university is not adequately explaining its decisions or creating a sense of distrust.
The student might demand compensation, including part of the tuition. In the case of the Meisei University student, he is expected to demand 1.4 million yen ($12,800) in compensation.
Yes, students can try to resolve the issue through other means, such as mediation or arbitration. They can also transfer to another university that offers the desired classes in person.
