General Refund Policy:
• Requested through the Cashier and approved by the Business Office
• Issued as checks only
Students should be prepared to meet their school and living expenses before the issuance of refund checks, as emergency loans will not be available at any time. The College will process refunds according to established procedures, with specific guidelines for different types of funding and circumstances. It's important to note that the Department of Education Federal Refund Policy (Return of Title IV Funds) may take precedence for students whose costs are paid by student financial aid funding.
Refund Schedule:
1. 100% Refund:
• 16-week semester: By the end of 2nd class week
• 10-week or Summer Sessions: By the end of first class week
• 5-week class: By the end of the first class week
• Weekend Format Classes: By Monday following 1st class meeting
• All withdrawals must be processed through the Director of Enrollment/Registrar by Noon
2. No refunds after stated deadlines
Special Cases:
• Federal Aid refunds: Available approximately 30 days after the semester starts
• Private Education funds: Refunded if credit balance occurs after posting to account
• Military Tuition Assistance: See separate TA Refund Policy Schedule
Additional Notes:
• All credit balances are refunded each semester; no carryover to the next semester.
• Federal Refund Policy (Return of Title IV Funds) may apply to students using financial aid.
State and Accrediting Agency Policies:
• State of Illinois: No mandated refund rule for private colleges.
• Higher Learning Commission: No established refund rule.
Federal Refund Rule (Return of Title IV Funds)
The Department of Education mandates the return of unearned federal financial aid funds to the specific program if a student withdraws from all coursework in a semester, as per the requirements of 34 CFR 668.22. The refund amount is calculated based on the number of days the student attended classes versus the remaining days in the semester after withdrawal. Students who have completed 60% or more of the semester are not required to return funds. The College notifies students by mail of any debt owed to the Department of Education. Timely payment of this debt is crucial for future financial aid eligibility. Students should contact the Financial Aid Office for more detailed information about this policy.
Military Benefits - Special Circumstances
Soldiers ordered into active duty service by the Government are advised to speak directly with the Business Office regarding their situation. The College recognizes that active duty orders may require special consideration and handling of a student's academic and financial circumstances.
Military Tuition Assistance (TA) Refund Policy Schedule
16-week Course:
• Weeks 1-2: 100% return
• Weeks 3-4: 75% return
• Weeks 5-8: 50% return
• Weeks 9-10: 40% return (60% of course completed)
• Weeks 11-16: 0% return
10-week Course:
• Week 1: 100% return
• Weeks 2-3: 75% return
• Weeks 4-5: 50% return
• Week 6: 40% return (60% of course completed)
• Weeks 7-10: 0% return