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Withdrawals and Refunds

Withdrawing from the University may have both academic and financial aid consequences. You are encouraged to understand the consequences before you decide to withdraw. Detailed information about the cancellation of registration and withdrawal from the University is available on the Office of the Registrar's website.

WITHDRAWALS


How Withdrawing Affects Your Financial Aid

Financial aid is typically applied to your student account at the beginning of each semester with the assumption that you will remain enrolled for the entire term. If you withdraw from all of your courses before completing at least 60 percent of a semester, you may become ineligible to retain a substantial portion of the aid you were awarded for that term.

You may become ineligible for part or all of the assistance from other sources, such as Maryland State, merit based and scholarships from private donors.

Withdrawing from classes will also affect your progression towards degree completion - the cumulative number of credits you have attempted compared to the number of credits you have earned. For additional information about how withdrawing can affect your academic progression, please review the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy.

Return of Federal Funds

The Federal Return of Title IV Funds policy mandates that students who officially withdraw (drop all classes) or unofficially withdraw (stop attending without dropping all classes) may only keep the financial aid they have "earned" up to the time of withdrawal. Financial aid funds that were applied to your student account that are excess of the amount "earned" must be returned.

Federal financial aid in excess of the amount "earned" is reduced in the following priority:

  1. Federal Stafford Unsubsidized Loan
  2. Federal Stafford Subsidized Loan
  3. Federal Perkins Loan
  4. Federal Graduate Plus Loan
  5. Federal Parent Plus Loan
  6. Federal Pell Grant
  7. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  8. Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College & Higher Education (TEACH) Grant

Calculations are done on a case-by-case basis after the withdrawal date is established.

Unofficial Withdrawal

A student who fails all of their courses or receives a combination of F, W and WX grades for a semester is considered an unofficial withdrawal. The student will be required to provide documentation of the last date of attendance in order to retain any Federal Title IV financial assistance. If documentation is not provided, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must calculate the student's eligibility for Federal Title IV aid based on the midpoint of the semester. If a student certifies that they did not attend class during the semester, all financial aid will be canceled and the student will be responsible for payment of all institutional charges as well as repayment for any refunds received.

REFUNDS


Tuition Refund Policy

If you cancel your classes or withdraw from the University, you may be eligible for a tuition and fee refund. The Office of the Registrar determines the amount of refund you might be eligible to receive following the University's Pro-Rata Refund Policy and the determined last date of attendance.

Housing Refund Policy

Housing refund policies differ. If you live in a university residence hall or apartment, the Office of Residential Life will determine the assessed charges involving your room and board. You should contact the Office of Residential Life about your withdrawal.