Duane Morris LLP has announced the release of its Higher Education Class Action Review — 2026, a focused publication examining class action litigation trends affecting colleges and universities across the United States. The review is part of the firm's broader 2026 Class Action Review series, which provides sector-specific analyses designed to help stakeholders navigate the distinct litigation risks present in their industries.
Higher education institutions continue to face an evolving and increasingly complex class action landscape. From disputes touching on tuition and fee practices to claims involving data privacy, admissions, athletics, and employment matters, colleges and universities are routinely named in proceedings that carry significant financial, operational, and reputational implications. The new review distills these developments into a single resource intended to support informed decision-making by institutional leaders and their advisors.
The publication is designed to serve as a practical reference for higher education leaders, general counsel, risk managers, and administrators who must assess exposure and shape defense strategies in an environment where litigation theories continue to expand. By focusing specifically on the higher education sector, the review offers context-specific benchmarks that may assist in-house teams as they evaluate risk profiles, allocate resources, and engage with outside counsel on emerging matters.
As part of Duane Morris's 2026 Class Action Review series, the higher education edition complements the firm's broader effort to provide industry-tailored insight into class action activity. The series reflects the firm's recognition that class action risk is rarely uniform across sectors and that meaningful guidance requires close attention to the particular regulatory, operational, and stakeholder dynamics that define each industry.
For colleges and universities, the timing of the review is significant. With courts continuing to address novel theories of liability and with administrators increasingly called upon to anticipate and respond to collective claims, access to a focused, current analysis can support more proactive planning. The review is intended to equip readers with a clearer view of where class action activity is concentrated and how institutions are responding.
This publication is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Institutions facing potential or actual class action exposure should consult qualified counsel for guidance tailored to their specific circumstances.