2024-2025 Graduate Catalog

Reduction of Federal Financial Aid Due to Withdrawal from the University

Reduction of Federal Financial Aid Due to Withdrawal from the University

Federal regulations require the University to adjust Federal Student Aid awards when a student withdraws from classes before 60 percent of the semester has been completed.  When adjustment of funds is necessary, a student may be required to return some or all of the federal funds awarded. The calculation of reduction in Federal funds is done within 30 days of a student’s date of official withdrawal from the University.

The Federal funds applicable to graduate students under this procedure include Direct Loan(s), TEACH Grant, and Graduate PLUS Loans.

Unofficial Withdrawal

Federal policy requires students who have been awarded any type of Federal Student Aid (FSA) to fulfill their academic requirements. If a student fails to earn a passing grade in at least one course in which they are enrolled for a semester, the Office of Financial Aid must assume for FSA purposes that the student has unofficially withdrawn, unless it can be documented that they did complete the term. For example, if a student receives all "F" and/or "U" and/or "W" grades for a term, the Office of Financial Aid is required to determine if they unofficially withdrew from the University. An unofficial withdrawal occurs when a student stops attending all classes and stops participating in any academic activities beyond the date they last attended classes.

Depending on the date of the student's unofficial withdrawal it may be necessary for the University and/or the student to return some or all of the financial aid the student received during the term.