California Northstate University Data Breach Class Action Settlement
People in the United States whose private information was potentially accessible from the February 2023 data breach.
Settlement Closed
Who’s Eligible
- You are a person in the United States whose private information was potentially accessible as a result of the data breach occurring between February 12, 2023, and February 13, 2023
- You received notification from California Northstate University that your private information was potentially accessible as a result of the data incident
- Excluded: Governing board members of the defendant, governmental entities, the Court and its immediate family and staff, and any class member who timely and validly requests to opt out
Eligible States
Claim Deadline
What You Need to Do to Get Paid
To get paid from the California Northstate University settlement:
Claim Online
Visit www.CNUsettlement.com and submit your Claim Form by April 6, 2026. The website includes step-by-step instructions for electronic payment.
Claim by Mail
Mail your completed Claim Form with supporting documentation by April 6, 2026, postmarked to:
Sankar v. California Northstate University, LLC
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
PO Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
Choose one of two payment options: Cash Payment A (up to $5,000 for documented losses with proof) or Cash Payment B (estimated $100 flat payment). You may also elect one year of three-bureau credit monitoring with the cash payment.
To receive Cash Payment A for documented losses, you must submit reasonable documentation supporting your losses. You may claim up to $5,000 per person. Alternatively, you may select Cash Payment B for an estimated $100 flat payment with no proof of losses required.
Settlement Payout
California Northstate University settlement payments are available to eligible class members who submit a claim. You can choose pro rata Cash Payment A for up to $5,000 for documented losses with supporting documentation, or Cash Payment B for an estimated flat $100 payment. In addition to either cash payment, you may elect up to one year of three-bureau credit monitoring with dark web monitoring and identity theft insurance coverage up to $1,000,000.
- Attorneys Fees: Up to $100,000 or 25% of Settlement Fund, whichever is less
- Service Awards: Up to $2,000 per Class Representative
- Settlement Administration Costs: Up to $75,600
Background of the Lawsuit
This lawsuit alleges that California Northstate University failed to adequately protect the personal information of students and employees. Between February 12 and 13, 2023, an unauthorized actor potentially accessed certain files stored on the university’s servers. The investigation determined that students’ and employees’ names in combination with Social Security Numbers may have been involved. On December 21, 2023, the university began notifying affected individuals.
Plaintiffs assert claims for negligence, breach of implied contract, invasion of privacy, breach of fiduciary duty, and related relief. Plaintiffs allege the university failed to safeguard private information and provide timely and adequate notice to affected individuals. California Northstate University denies all wrongdoing whatsoever. The company asserts it exercised reasonable care in securing its systems, promptly investigated and responded to the incident, and complied with all applicable laws. No court has made any determination that the university did anything wrong.
Both sides agreed to the settlement to avoid the cost and risk of trial and appeals while providing benefits to affected class members. The settlement includes business practice changes undertaken by the university to further secure their systems and environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the California Northstate University settlement?
What payment options are available in this settlement?
How do I submit a claim for the California Northstate University settlement?
What is the deadline to claim from the California Northstate University settlement?
What documentation do I need for Cash Payment A in this settlement?
When will I receive my payment from the California Northstate University settlement?
Can I opt out of the California Northstate University settlement?
What happens if I don't submit a claim for the California Northstate University settlement?
Settlement Administrator
Sankar v. California Northstate University, LLC
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
PO Box 5324
New York, NY 10150-5324
Case Details
Listing Information
There are no similar listings
No news articles related to this settlement yet
Discussion
Disclaimer
The information on this website is free to access and provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. We summarise settlement information from official notices, court documents, settlement websites, administrators, and other primary sources where available.
Settlement details and deadlines may change. Always refer to the official settlement website or consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Every listing is reviewed by our research team. Found an error? Let us know. Learn more about how we verify our information.