Walden University has agreed to pay $28.5 million to settle a class-action lawsuit involving approximately 2,300 students. The lawsuit alleged the university provided misleading information about the cost and duration of its doctoral programs. Many students, especially women of color, were drawn into a process that proved to be longer and more expensive than initially promised.

The university was accused of deliberately delaying dissertation approvals, forcing students to incur substantial additional tuition costs.

Significance of the Case

The settlement not only provides restitution for affected students but also sets a significant precedent in combating deceptive advertising in for-profit education.

• Reverse Redlining: The lawsuit highlighted Walden’s alleged strategy of targeting minority groups with misleading promises—a practice referred to as "reverse redlining."
• Future Oversight: The case has opened the door for stricter regulation and oversight of private universities, ensuring better protection for prospective students.

This landmark case serves as a reminder to institutions to prioritize transparency and fairness, as well as a warning to students to thoroughly research educational programs before enrolling.

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