University of Washington Students to Get Refunds Over COVID Tuition: In a major development that affects tens of thousands of students, the University of Washington (UW) has agreed to a $4 million settlement following a class-action lawsuit filed over tuition and fees charged during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means eligible students may now receive refunds for services and experiences they paid for—but didn’t get—during UW’s transition to remote learning in 2020.
The COVID-19 tuition refund settlement is not just a big deal for former and current Huskies—it also sets a precedent for how universities across the U.S. may be held accountable for pandemic-era decisions. If you’re a former UW student or just curious about how this unfolded, here’s everything you need to know, broken down simply and clearly.
University of Washington Students to Get Refunds Over COVID Tuition
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Settlement Amount | $4 million total |
| Eligible Students | ~56,000 students enrolled Winter & Spring 2020 |
| Payout Method | Check, Venmo, or PayPal |
| Deadline to Act | May 30, 2025 |
| Final Court Approval Hearing | July 11, 2025 |
| Action Required | Update contact/payment info (optional but recommended) |
| Opt-Out Deadline | May 30, 2025 |
| Official Settlement Site | universityofwashingtoncovidlitigation.com |
If you were a University of Washington student during Winter or Spring 2020, don’t miss this opportunity. While the refund might not be huge, it’s a recognition of your right to fair treatment during an unprecedented time.
What Happened and Why UW Is Paying $4 Million
In March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the U.S., most universities quickly shut down campuses and moved to online learning to keep students and staff safe. The University of Washington was one of the first to go fully remote.
While this decision was understandable at the time, many students felt that they did not receive the in-person education or campus services they paid for. The lawsuit argued that UW’s tuition and fees were based on an in-person experience, including access to labs, gyms, libraries, clubs, and other campus facilities.
So, students asked a reasonable question: Why pay the full price for a service you didn’t get? That’s what led to a class-action lawsuit in 2020, which has now resulted in a $4 million settlement.
While UW has denied any wrongdoing, the school agreed to the settlement to avoid further legal costs and distractions.
Who’s Eligible for the COVID Tuition Refund?
If you were enrolled at UW during Winter or Spring Quarter 2020 and paid tuition for that term, you’re likely eligible for a share of the settlement.
More specifically:
- You must have paid tuition and/or fees directly (not fully covered by scholarships or third-party sponsors).
- You don’t need to take legal action or submit a claim to be included.
- However, to receive payment via Venmo or PayPal, or to update your mailing address, you need to act by May 30, 2025.
You can check eligibility and manage your payment method at the official site:
👉 universityofwashingtoncovidlitigation.com
How Much Will Each Student Receive?
Let’s break it down:
- The $4 million fund will first be used to cover:
- Attorneys’ fees
- Court administration costs
- Service awards for the lead plaintiffs
- After deductions, the remaining amount will be evenly divided among eligible students.
Important: No exact per-person amount has been announced yet, but based on estimates, individual payouts could be in the range of $40 to $60, depending on the final number of participating students.
How to Get Refunds Over COVID Tuition
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
If you were enrolled in Winter or Spring 2020 and paid tuition out-of-pocket, you’re likely eligible.
Step 2: Visit the Official Website
Go to the University of Washington COVID-19 Tuition Refund Settlement site.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method
You can choose to:
- Receive a paper check (default method)
- Get payment via Venmo or PayPal by submitting a Payment Election Form
Deadline: May 30, 2025
Step 4: Update Your Contact Information
Moved since 2020? Make sure your mailing address is current to avoid losing your refund.
Step 5: Stay Informed
The final approval hearing is on July 11, 2025. After that, payments will be processed.
Why This Matters for Students Nationwide
The UW case is just one of many COVID-era tuition refund lawsuits. Across the U.S., students have filed similar lawsuits against schools like Columbia University, University of Southern California, and Boston University, seeking compensation for lost in-person instruction and access to campus services.
These lawsuits raise an important issue:
Should students pay full tuition for remote learning if the quality and experience aren’t the same?
It’s a debate that blends legal rights, consumer fairness, and educational expectations. The University of Washington’s decision to settle—without admitting fault—shows that institutions are aware of these concerns and are willing to resolve them without dragging students through years of litigation.
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FAQs About University of Washington Students to Get Refunds Over COVID Tuition
Do I need to submit a claim to get my refund?
No. If you’re eligible, you’ll automatically be included in the settlement and receive a payment.
What if I’ve moved or changed banks since 2020?
Visit the settlement website to update your contact and payment info.
How do I opt out if I don’t want to participate?
You must submit an opt-out request by May 30, 2025. Full instructions are on the settlement site.
Is this taxable income?
Generally, refunds for overpaid tuition are not taxable, but it’s best to check with a tax professional.
Can current students get this refund?
Only students enrolled during Winter or Spring 2020 are eligible.
