#United States #Philadelphia #Johns Hopkins #Settlement #Caltech

Major Settlement Announcement in Higher Education Financial Aid Case

On September 29, 2025, the Angeion Group, acting as the Settlement Administrator, announced that a federal court granted final approval to settlements involving two prestigious institutions: the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and Johns Hopkins University. This ruling is a crucial development in the ongoing class action lawsuit titled Henry, et al. v. Brown University, et al. The implications of this settlement are significant for students who have received financial aid while enrolled in specific undergraduate programs.

The court certified a Settlement Class comprising students who attended seventeen universities, including Caltech and Johns Hopkins, during designated periods while receiving need-based financial aid. These institutions have been accused of conspiring to limit the financial aid offered to students, allegedly violating federal antitrust laws. The settlements reached a collective sum of $35.25 million, with Caltech contributing $16.75 million and Johns Hopkins pledging $18.5 million.

This case stems from allegations that the universities engaged in anticompetitive practices that, rather than promoting fair competition in financial aid, resulted in less assistance for students. The plaintiffs argue that they would have received greater financial support in a competitive environment. While the universities maintain that their financial aid policies were legitimate and conformed to legal standards, the court's decision reflects a recognition of the potential harms caused by such practices.

Settlement Details and Class Eligibility

The approved settlements will provide compensation to members of the Settlement Class who did not opt out before the April 9, 2025 deadline. Those who submit valid claims by the deadline of December 27, 2025, will be entitled to a share of the Settlement Fund. Payments will vary based on factors such as the net price of the university attended and the total number of claims processed. If around half of the estimated 200,000 Class members file claims, payouts may average around $250 for each claimant.

Understanding the Class Period

The Class Period, during which students must have been enrolled and received need-based financial aid, varies by institution. For most schools involved in the lawsuit, including Caltech and Johns Hopkins, the relevant years span from 2003 to 2024, with specific cut-off dates for different universities. Students who enrolled during these periods and who experienced tuition fees not fully covered by financial aid may qualify for settlement benefits.

Claim Submission Process

Eligible individuals need to file a Claim Form, which will be distributed online to those in the Settlement Class as part of the court-approved administrative process. Students who have previously filed claims for earlier settlements in this case will automatically be considered for additional compensation without needing to submit new forms. For further inquiries, members of the Settlement Class can reach out to the Claims Administrator via email or a dedicated phone line.

As a result of the settlement, not only will eligible class members potentially receive monetary compensation, but the universities are also required to provide access to further discovery material. This reflects a larger commitment to transparency and accountability in financial aid practices.

Conclusion

This landmark settlement underscores the importance of equitable financial aid distribution practices in higher education institutions. It raises pivotal questions about how universities manage financial aid and whether current systems adequately protect students' interests. As developments unfold, the case will likely prompt further discussions around financial transparency and fair competition in educational funding.

For more information about the settlement and to see if you're eligible, please visit www.FinancialAidAntitrustSettlement.com.