Skip to content
Administration and Finance
Resources

Refunds of student charges

Refund or credit for dropped classes while remaining enrolled is determined by date and program of study. For leave of absence or withdrawal, the refund is based on the date according to University policy. Housing and dining refunds are prorated on a per diem basis.

Topics on this page:

Refunds for dropped classes while remaining enrolled

Schedules for tuition credit or refund while enrolled are based on date and your program of study. See the applicable schedule below (unless otherwise noted). Tuition refunds for audits are not given once classes start.

CREDIT/REFUND SCHEDULE BY PROGRAM OF STUDY

SMD GRADUATE STUDENTS

School of Medicine and Dentistry (SMD) Office for Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs defines the exact dates for refund rates each semester:

  • 1-15 instructional days from the course section start date, students receive a 100% refund
  • 16-35 instructional days from the course section start date, students receive a 75% refund
  • 36-45 instructional days from the course section start date, students receive a 50% refund
  • 46-55 instructional days from the course section start date, students receive a 25% refund
  • After instructional day 55, from the course section start date, students receive a 0% refund

Refunds for withdrawal, leave of absence, or inactive status

Refund or credit in these circumstances is defined by the following policies:

Description of University leave of absence or withdrawal policy

Policy Statement

This policy defines the institutional refunds of student charges (tuition, room, board, etc.) when students voluntarily or involuntarily withdraw, take a leave of absence, or go on inactive status. The policy aligns with the Federal Title IV financial aid refund regulations with respect to Federal Student Aid (FSA) programs authorized by the Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA).

Reason for the Policy

The University of Rochester is adopting this policy to ensure compliance with the FSA Program regulations regarding return of Title IV funds (R2T4) while at the same time aligning the Financial Aid Refund Policy with the institutional policy on reduction of charges.

Applicability of the Policy

This policy applies to all University of Rochester (UR) students except those enrolled at the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS), faculty, and staff who are responsible for processing student withdrawals/leave of absence, financial aid, and bursar charges. This policy applies to non-degree students and matriculated degree students and includes summer and academic year enrollment.

Policy summary

Prior to the first day of classes

Students who cancel admission, withdraw, or take a leave from the University, voluntarily or involuntarily, before the first day of classes will receive a full tuition and fee refund (100%).

Such students are not included in University records as registered for the term. All disbursed Title IV aid, institutional aid, state, and other aid will be returned to the appropriate account by the Financial Aid Office.

Note, however, that non-refundable application and enrollment fees will not be refunded.

On or after the first day of classes

An enrolled student who withdraws or voluntarily takes a leave from the University on or after the first day of classes and through the seventh day of the term (first week), will receive a full tuition and fee refund (100%).

An enrolled student who becomes inactive on or after the eighth day of the term but before the time when s/he will have completed 60 percent of the period of enrollment (semester/quarter)1, will have their institutional charges and institutional aid adjusted based on a daily proration of attendance. Federal financial aid is adjusted as described below.

After the 60 percent point of the period of enrollment

A student who withdraws or takes a leave of absence after the 60 percent point of the period of enrollment will receive no refund of institutional charges or financial aid for that term.

(It is important to note, however, that this is likely to impact renewal eligibility for financial aid in the next period of enrollment. For more information, contact the Financial Aid Office at the appropriate school and/or see the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy for details.)

Students who receive financial aid should consult the Financial Aid Office Leave of Absence & Withdrawal Process.

Related offices and departments

View all departments

Other resources

Explore all resources