I. Introduction

Refunds of student charges will be calculated based on the amount billed to the student's account regardless of any payments made to the account. In the event a reduction in charges or fees results in a credit on the student's account, the student may be entitled to a refund. Application fees and registration deposits are non-refundable. Other fees are refunded as per the following policy. See Enrollment Services - Costs for a list of fees.

II. Definitions

A. Academic Calendar: The official University calendars setting forth the specific dates and deadlines for semesters and terms, enrollment periods, examination periods, holidays, periods that classes are not in session, and commencement. Academic Calendar means the Standard University Academic Calendar, the Columbus School of Law Academic Calendar and the Online Programs Academic Calendar. Add/drop periods are listed in each respective calendar.

B. Dynamically-Dated Classes: Classes that do not span the entire semester and which have beginning and ending dates within, but different from, the regular semester.

C. Week of Classes: Monday through Saturday.

D. Tuition: Charge for instruction listed on the student account.

E. Mandatory Fees: Fees required of all students, including but not limited to student record, activity, and technology fees.

F. Service/Miscellaneous Fees: Fees charged for specific services, including but not limited to language placement, health center, locker rental fees.

III. Provisions Applicable to All Programs

A. Adjustment of University Grants and Scholarships

Generally, University undergraduate grants and scholarships will be prorated to be proportional to the percentage of tuition charges incurred. For example, if a student's tuition charges are reduced by fifty (50) percent, that student's University grants and scholarships will also be reduced by fifty (50) percent. Note that specific grant or scholarship terms may supersede this general rule. Adjustments to University graduate grants and scholarships are at the discretion of the individual department/school awarding the grant or scholarship and the Office of the Provost.

B. Return of Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) Funds

Federal requirements for returning Federal Title IV financial aid are independent of University policy and, when required by law, supersede University policy. For example, a student receiving Federal Title IV aid may be due a tuition refund according to University policy. However, based on federal regulation, the University may be required to return all or a portion of the disbursed funds to the aid program from which the funds were disbursed based upon the date of withdrawal. Additional information is available in the Office of Student Financial Assistance website under Withdrawals.

C. Deferral to Home State Policy on Refunds

A student who is registered in a fully online program or who is taking a course (or courses) in a state outside the District of Columbia will receive a refund as required by the law of that state if there is a conflict with University policy. States with specific refund policies can be found at: http://enrollmentservices.cua.edu/Student-Financial-Information/HomeStateRefundPolicies.cfm.

IV. Refund Provisions - Fall and Spring Semesters
 

The following provisions apply during the fall and spring semesters and not to summer sessions. 

A. Tuition and Fee Refund Schedule for Complete Withdrawal from the University

Note: Refunds for dynamically-dated classes are based on the corresponding percentage of class meetings.

B. Tuition and Fee Refund Schedule for change of status from full-time to part-time or reduction in part-time status

Note: students will be charged the standard part-time rate for all classes in which they remain registered. Refund amounts below are for dropped courses. Refunds for dynamically-dated classes are based on the corresponding percentage of class meetings.

C. Refunding of Room and Board Charges

Room and board refunds for all students shall be as follows:

• Fees are refunded on a per diem basis up to the end of the drop/add period. After the drop/add period, fees are reduced at the tuition rates shown in Section III.

• Students who have signed and submitted a Residence Hall and Dining Services Agreement and whose housing cancellation request is approved will be charged a housing cancellation fee.

V. Refund Provisions - Summer Sessions

Students taking classes in summer sessions are eligible for a 100% refund if they withdraw by the add/drop deadline specified for their class(es). Students withdrawing after the add/drop deadline are not eligible for a refund.

VI. Exceptions

Exceptions to the policy regarding tuition refunds may be made based on extraordinary circumstances.  Requests for exceptions are reviewed by the University’s Tuition Refund Appeals Committee.

A student seeking an exception to the policy should contact the Office of Enrollment Services at CUA-ENROLLMENTSERVICES@CUA.EDU to initiate the appeals process.

The Committee will not consider requests after midterm of the succeeding semester as published in the Academic Calendar. Decisions are made solely at the discretion of the University Tuition Refund Appeals Committee and may not be appealed further.