University of Washington will pay $4 million settlement in pandemic tuition lawsuit

Dahlia Bazzaz, The Seattle Times on Mar 11, 2025

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SEATTLE — The University of Washington has agreed to a $4 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by students who argued they were unfairly charged for in-person education they never received during the COVID-19 pandemic. A King County judge granted preliminary approval of the agreement this week, with final approval expected in July.

The case stemmed from UW's decision to keep tuition and fees unchanged even after transitioning to remote learning in March 2020. Students argued they paid for access to campus facilities, labs and in-person instruction but spent months attending online classes from their apartments instead.

The lawsuit, first filed in 2020, was led by Alexander Barry, a doctoral student in physical therapy. In 2023, a judge certified a class of tens of thousands of students, allowing the case to proceed collectively. The university fought the claims in court, filing multiple motions to dismiss and opposing class certification.

UW has not admitted to any wrongdoing and maintains that it acted responsibly during the pandemic by continuing to provide an education while ensuring student safety. A spokesperson noted that the university invested in enhanced technology, remote learning platforms, and student health services to support education during campus closures.

"Given the potential ongoing costs of litigating this case through trial, we believe it was the financially responsible decision to agree to this settlement," said Victor Balta, a UW spokesperson.

UW shifted in-person classes online in March 2020 as COVID-19 began spreading rapidly.

By April 2020, all of Washington's public four-year higher education institutions had already announced that classes would remain online through the end of the school year. The state's community colleges and most private colleges did the same.

Most remained online through the spring of 2021.

Under the settlement terms, students can opt out of the class action if they do not wish to participate. Those who remain part of the class will receive compensation, though exact payouts will depend on the number of eligible claimants.

Attorneys for the class will seek up to 30% of the settlement fund in legal fees.

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend of students suing universities over pandemic-related tuition policies. Similar settlements have been reached at universities nationwide after students felt they were overcharged for an inadequate college experience. Eligible students will receive direct notice via email and mail, and the claims website must be operational by March 31, 2025. Objections or opt-out requests must be filed before the final approval hearing by May 30, 2025.

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(Seattle Times news researcher Miyoko Wolf contributed to this story.)

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