Question

The closure of university campuses across California and the nation raises a number of interesting issues in contract law. Students have raised concerns, and filed lawsuits, based on the practice of colleges sending students home and requiring them to attend online classes only. Many of the colleges have refused to reimburse students for tuition and/or housing and food costs paid for by these students. The students argue two things: first, that the value of their degree will somehow be diminished if they take only online classes and therefore, they should get a break on their tuition. Schools have challenged this presumption, arguing that their online courses are high quality offerings. (As a side note, I do the best I can with the online format to provide you with lectures and discussion topics that are similar to those you would see and hear if we were all together on campus!)

Colleges are also refusing to reimburse room and board costs, even though students are not on campus.

From a contractual standpoint - and I mean, base your opinions on the contract laws that you are learning - should students get their money back for tuition, room and board, neither? Or should schools be allowed to keep the money? Factor in financial aid and student loans, if you like. 3 posts for full credit

Answer 1

In my opinion, students should get their money back for tuition, room and board from the college. This is because it is unethical on the part of colleges to keep this money even after providing students with online education and the colleges not bearing any tuition, room or boarding costs as the students are not on campus. As the students have already borne internet and electricity costs due to attending classes from home, hence it is not good for them to bear additional expenses related to boarding, room, tuition etc when they are not on campus aa well. Hence such costs should not be charged by colleges from the students.