Columbia University data breach settlement
Checked Nov 6, 2026 on the official settlement site
Can I claim?
Yes, if you are in the class: US residents whose private information was compromised in the May 2025 Columbia cyberattack and who were sent a notice about it. File by Jan 21, 2027 (76 days left). The most one person can receive is $8,500, mostly for documented losses. Without receipts: alternative cash payment instead of loss reimbursement: an equal share of what is left in the fund (no estimate published yet).
File a claim on the official site →| Claim deadline | Jan 21, 2027 (76 days left) |
|---|---|
| Most one person can get | $8,500 |
| Proof | Cash option without receipts |
| Total fund | $16.1 million |
| Class size | 3 million people |
| Final approval hearing | Feb 23, 2027 |
| Case | In re Columbia University Data Breach Litigation, No. 1:25-cv-05541, S.D.N.Y. |
| Data exposed | Names, Dates of birth, Addresses, Phone numbers, Email addresses, Social Security numbers, Driver's license numbers, Bank or financial details, Payment card numbers, Medical information, Health insurance details and Other details |
What happened
An outside attacker got into Columbia University systems in May 2025 and took personal records of applicants, students and others. The university says about 2.97 million people are in the class.
Who can claim from the Columbia University settlement?
US residents whose private information was compromised in the May 2025 Columbia cyberattack and who were sent a notice about it.
How much can I get?
Cash without proof: Alternative cash payment instead of loss reimbursement: an equal share of what is left in the fund (no estimate published yet). Documented losses: up to $8,500. Also: Two years of three-bureau credit monitoring with $1M identity theft insurance, on request.
Do I need proof?
Cash option without receipts. Keep receipts if you want to claim documented losses too.
When will I get paid?
Payments start after the court grants final approval (hearing Feb 23, 2027) and any appeals end, often several months later.
Is the settlement website legit?
Use only the court-approved site: www.columbiauniversitydatasettlement.com. Do not pay anyone to file; claims are free.
Breach details: Columbia University breach (Aug 7, 2025)
Sources
- Columbia University Data Settlement (official site) · Angeion Group (settlement administrator) (official)
- Long Form Notice · Angeion Group (court)
- Class Action Settlement Agreement and Release · Angeion Group (court)
Teollimi is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the court, the claims administrator or Columbia University. Terms on the official settlement site prevail.