Tuition Adjustment Policy

Once the semester begins, the process of changing the student's course schedule is referred to as dropping/adding courses (policy 34-89). There are financial implications to consider when dropping courses. Tuition adjustments may apply and financial aid may be impacted. Students who receive financial aid are strongly encouraged to consult with the Office of Student Aid.

In this section you will find information about :

Tuition Adjustment for Dropped Credits

What is the tuition adjustment for dropping credits?

At the beginning of each semester, all students must sign a Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA) before they are allowed to enroll in classes. The FRA states that the student understands that once they register for classes, they are responsible for the tuition and fees due for the courses attended.

Students who drop below full-time or drop below their originally registered credit level may not receive a tuition refund. The tuition adjustment for dropped credits is determined by the date the credit is dropped and the length of the course. 

  • Review the Tuition Adjustment Schedule for fall 2024
  • Review the Tuition Adjustment Schedule for summer 2024
  • Review the Tuition Adjustment Schedule for spring 2024

To view the Tuition Adjustment per class, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to your Student Home Base in LionPATH
  2. Click on “Enrollment” on the right
  3. Click on “Drop Classes” on the left
  4. You can view each course’s Tuition Calendar by clicking on the $ symbol under the “Tuition Calendar” column.

 

Withdrawal

How do I withdraw from courses?

Students can process a withdrawal by submitting an Official Withdrawal Form to the Office of the University Registrar. The form and information regarding withdrawals can be found on the Registrar’s website at https://www.registrar.psu.edu/enrollment/leaving/withdrawal.cfm

  • Students who withdraw will receive a tuition adjustment in accordance with Penn State's Tuition Adjustment Schedule.
  • Adjustments are based on the tuition amount only. The Student Fee (Student Initiated Fee) is non-refundable.
  • Students who live in the residence halls should contact the Housing Assignment office for information regarding room and board adjustments.

Withdrawal From Penn State and Student Financial Aid

How does withdrawing affect my Financial Aid?

  • Students who receive financial aid are expected to complete all credits started. Students who do not successfully complete all credits may lose their right to some or all of the funds awarded for the semester and/or future semesters.
  • Students planning to withdraw during the semester must follow the procedures established by the University. See "Withdrawal" above.
  • Tuition adjustment will follow Penn State's Tuition Adjustment Schedule.

Return of Federal Financial Aid

What happens to my Federal Financial Aid if I don't complete my courses?

  • To maintain Federal financial aid eligibility during the semester, the student must be attending classes, taking exams and completing required course work.
  • The 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act requires the University to calculate a Return of Federal financial aid funds for students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) from all classes on or before attending 60 percent of the semester.
  • Using a pro-rata schedule, the percentage of the semester attended is used to calculate the amount of the student's earned/unearned Federal financial aid funds. The percentage of semester attended is calculated by using the number of days the student attended and the total number of days in the semester.
  • The unearned portion of Federal financial aid funds will be returned to the appropriate aid program(s). The funds will be returned in the following order:
  1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan
  2. Federal Direct Subsidized Stafford Loan
  3. Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Graduate and Parent)
  4. Federal Pell Grant
  5. Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
  6. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  7. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

The student will be responsible for any balance due after the return of Federal financial aid funds.

Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing are subject to the return of Federal financial aid funds at the end of the semester. The amount returned is based on the withdrawal date or last documented date of attendance determined by Penn State.

Return of State Grant Funds

How much aid is returned to PA State Grant if I withdraw?

  • State grant funds are returned when needed regardless of a credit balance. 
  • Adjustment of PA State Grant follows the Tuition Adjustment Policy.  If tuition is adjusted, the state grant has to be adjusted.

Return of Institutional and Other Aid Funds

Will other Aid Sources be returned?

If a credit balance remains after the return of Federal and State Grant funds, the credit balance will be returned to all other aid sources (if applicable) based on the following "other aid" refund calculation:

Other Aid Disbursed  / Total Aid Disbursed  X   Adjustment   =   Refund to Other Aid Source 

The other aid will be returned to the appropriate aid sources. The funds will be returned in the following order:

  1. Short-term loan (not considered in aid calculation)
  2. University loans
  3. University scholarships
  4. Other grants
  5. Outside scholarships

Other aid sources should be adjusted up to the amount of each aid source.

The student account will not be debited to return funds to "other aid" sources.

Credit Balances After Return of Aid 

Will I get any funds after all aid has been returned?

If a credit balance remains after the return of the required Federal financial aid, State grants, Institutional and other aid funds, the balance will be refunded to the student (up to the amount paid for the semester).

Policy For Retroactive Withdrawals

Where do I find information about Retroactive Withdrawal?

Refer to Student Petitions for questions regarding the petition process for retroactive withdrawals.

Students who are granted a retroactive withdrawal will be responsible for 100% of tuition due.