Some Northwestern and U of C alumni to receive class-action lawsuit payouts
Alumni of Northwestern and the University of Chicago may receive payouts from a $284 million settlement over alleged tuition price‑fixing.Summary
A recent court order indicates that alumni of Northwestern University and the University of Chicago could receive settlement payments from a $284 million settlement reached by several elite universities over accusations of colluding to fix tuition prices and limit financial aid. The lawsuit, filed in 2022, alleged that the schools overcharged students and reduced aid packages, practices that would have been less restrictive in a competitive market. Northwestern and the University of Chicago settled the suit—paying $43.5 million and $13.5 million respectively—while denying the claims. The first distribution round began on July 2, with payment amounts depending on factors such as net tuition, attendance dates, and claim filing; the average claimant could receive about $2,000. Electronic payments were initiated on July 20, with checks mailed by July 24, and recipients have 90 days to cash their checks before they become void.
(Source：Chicago Tribune)