Tuition Refund Schedule

Financial Policies for Course Adjustments and Withdrawals

At The University of Ontological Science, we understand that circumstances may necessitate changes to your academic plans after enrollment. Our tuition refund schedule is designed to provide clear guidelines regarding financial adjustments when students withdraw from courses or take leaves of absence. TUOS is committed to transparent financial policies that balance institutional responsibilities with student needs during academic transitions.

General Refund Policy Principles

  • Refund eligibility is determined by the date of official withdrawal or course drop, not by the date of last attendance
  • All withdrawals and course drops must be officially processed through the Registrar’s Office to be eligible for refunds
  • Refund percentages apply to tuition and the comprehensive fee only; other fees may be non-refundable as noted below
  • Different refund schedules apply depending on the academic term (Fall/Spring, Summer, Winter) and program type
  • Financial aid recipients should consult with the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing, as refunds may affect aid eligibility

Fall and Spring Semester Refund Schedule

Withdrawal/Drop Date Tuition Refund Room Refund Board Refund
Before first day of classes 100% 100% 100%
First week of classes 90% 90% Prorated by week
Second week of classes 80% 80% Prorated by week
Third week of classes 70% 70% Prorated by week
Fourth week of classes 60% 60% Prorated by week
Fifth week of classes 50% 50% Prorated by week
After fifth week No refund No refund Prorated by week

The academic calendar for each semester specifies the exact dates corresponding to each refund period.

Summer Session Refund Schedule

6-Week Summer Sessions

Withdrawal/Drop Date Tuition Refund
Before first class meeting 100%
Within first 2 calendar days 90%
Within first week 70%
Within second week 50%
After second week No refund

3-Week Intensive Summer Sessions

Withdrawal/Drop Date Tuition Refund
Before first class meeting 100%
Within first calendar day 90%
Within first 3 calendar days 70%
Within first week 50%
After first week No refund

Winter Session Refund Schedule

Withdrawal/Drop Date Tuition Refund
Before first class meeting 100%
Within first calendar day 90%
Within first 2 calendar days 70%
Within first 3 calendar days 50%
After third day No refund

Graduate and Professional Program Refund Schedules

Graduate programs with alternative formats or schedules (including evening, weekend, and accelerated programs) follow modified refund schedules:

8-Week Accelerated Format

Withdrawal/Drop Date Tuition Refund
Before first class meeting 100%
Within first calendar week 80%
Within second calendar week 50%
After second week No refund

Online Graduate Programs

Withdrawal/Drop Date Tuition Refund
Before course access date 100%
Within first 7 days of course access 80%
Within 8-14 days of course access 50%
After 14 days of course access No refund

Graduate students should refer to their program handbook for program-specific policies.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

Medical Withdrawals

Students who withdraw from all courses due to documented medical reasons may be eligible for enhanced refunds. Medical withdrawal refunds are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and require:

Military Service

Students called to active military duty receive:

  • 100% tuition refund for the semester if called to service before the 12th week
  • Option for incomplete grades with extended completion deadlines if called to service after the 12th week
  • Documentation of military orders required

Extenuating Circumstances

In rare cases involving extraordinary circumstances beyond the student’s control, exceptions to the standard refund schedule may be considered:

  • Submit the Refund Exception Request Form with supporting documentation
  • Appeals reviewed by the Tuition Appeal Committee
  • Decisions typically provided within 15 business days

Non-Refundable Fees

The following fees are non-refundable regardless of withdrawal timing:

  • Application fee
  • Enrollment deposit
  • Course change fees
  • Late registration fees
  • Returned check fees
  • Graduation application fee
  • Transcript request fees
  • Technology/lab/studio fees (after the first week of classes)

Refund Disbursement Process

Method of Refund

  • Refunds are issued in the same form as the original payment when possible
  • Students with direct deposit authorization receive electronic refunds (2-3 business days for processing)
  • Check refunds (7-10 business days for processing) are mailed to the student’s permanent address
  • Credit card refunds are processed back to the original card used for payment
  • Parent PLUS loan refunds are issued to the parent borrower unless otherwise authorized

Refund Hierarchy

For students with financial aid, refunds follow this sequence:

  1. Federal aid programs (in order prescribed by federal regulations)
  2. State aid programs
  3. TUOS institutional aid
  4. Private/external scholarships
  5. Student/parent payments

Impact on Financial Aid

Withdrawing from courses may have significant implications for your financial aid:

  • Federal Title IV Aid: Subject to Return to Title IV (R2T4) calculation, potentially requiring repayment of “unearned” aid
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress: Withdrawals may affect future aid eligibility
  • Scholarships and Grants: May be reduced or canceled based on enrollment status changes
  • Loan Repayment: Withdrawing completely may trigger the start of your loan grace period

All financial aid recipients should consult with a Financial Aid Counselor before withdrawing from any courses.

Schedule a Financial Aid Consultation

Important Deadlines for the Current Academic Year

Fall Semester 2023

  • Last day for 100% refund: August 28, 2023
  • Last day for 90% refund: September 4, 2023
  • Last day for 80% refund: September 11, 2023
  • Last day for 70% refund: September 18, 2023
  • Last day for 60% refund: September 25, 2023
  • Last day for 50% refund: October 2, 2023

Spring Semester 2024

  • Last day for 100% refund: January 22, 2024
  • Last day for 90% refund: January 29, 2024
  • Last day for 80% refund: February 5, 2024
  • Last day for 70% refund: February 12, 2024
  • Last day for 60% refund: February 19, 2024
  • Last day for 50% refund: February 26, 2024

Summer Sessions 2024

See detailed academic calendar for session-specific dates

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: If I drop one course but remain enrolled in others, am I eligible for a partial tuition refund?
A: For full-time students, dropping a course without falling below full-time status (12 credits) typically does not result in a refund. Part-time students who pay per credit will receive refunds according to the schedule when reducing their course load.

Q: How do room and board refunds work if I withdraw mid-semester?
A: Room refunds follow the tuition refund percentage schedule. Board (meal plan) refunds are prorated on a weekly basis from the official withdrawal date, regardless of actual meal plan usage.

Q: If my financial aid covered my tuition, who receives the refund if I withdraw?
A: When financial aid has been applied to your account, refunds first go toward repaying the aid programs according to federal, state, and institutional guidelines. Any remaining balance would then be refunded to you.

Q: What if I need to withdraw after the refund period due to a serious emergency?
A: For withdrawals after the refund period, you may submit an appeal through the Tuition Appeal Committee if you experienced a serious emergency, documented medical issue, or other extenuating circumstance.

Q: How do refunds work for study abroad programs?
A: Study abroad programs follow program-specific refund policies, which are often more restrictive due to advance payments to partner institutions. These policies are provided during the application process.

Contact Information

Student Financial Services
Admin Building, Room 115
studentfinancial@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4560

Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: Extended hours until 7:00 PM

Financial Aid Office
Admin Building, Room 120
financialaid@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4570

Registrar’s Office (for official withdrawals)
Academic Building, Room 203
registrar@tuos.edu
(555) 123-4567

Downloadable Resources

TUOS reserves the right to amend the refund policy at any time. Any changes will be posted with at least 30 days’ notice before taking effect. This refund schedule was last updated on August 1, 2023.

The University of Ontological Science is committed to transparent financial practices that support our academic mission while respecting the changing circumstances our students may face. We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with these policies and to seek guidance from appropriate offices when considering changes to their enrollment.