Dropping classes after the semester has started can negatively affect a student’s NDSCS account balance, their ability to receive current and future financial aid and their college transcript. Students should consider the following information before dropping any classes:
- Students are encouraged to meet with their advisor or Student Success before making changes to their schedule.
- Academic Drop Dates are often different than Tuition Refund Dates.
- Review the NDSCS Drop/Withdrawal/Refund Deadlines carefully to determine how dropping the applicable class will affect the student’s college transcript and/or the availability to receive a tuition refund.
- The final day to drop a class without receiving an “earned” grade on the student’s transcript varies depending on the start/end dates.
- A final grade is considered “earned” after the last day to drop the class.
Students who are enrolled for the current semester, and choose to no longer attend classes for the remainder of the semester, need to initiate that request through Campus Connection > NDSCS e-forms > Enrollment Services > Cancel/Withdraw to Zero.
Note: A final grade is considered “earned” after the last day to drop the class.
For all students receiving U.S. Department of Education Title IV funds, the federal government has detailed policies on the return of these funds. Financial aid is awarded to students with the expectation that they will complete the semester. If you withdraw before the semester ends, any unearned aid will be returned to the Department of Education and/or the loan servicer. As a result, you may owe NDSCS for the unearned aid. Federal financial aid is awarded based on enrollment status. If by dropping one or more classes changes your enrollment status, a portion of your federal financial aid may need to be returned to the government. Dropping below half-time enrollment or withdrawing completely will trigger federal student loan repayment. Federal loans have a six-month grace period before regular payments begin.
Dropping from a course or withdrawing from a term can also affect future financial aid eligibility. Pursuant to standards of Satisfactory Academic Progress, students must complete 67% of attempted credits. Dropping a course or withdrawing from a term can result in a student failing to meet the requirement.
Official and Unofficial Withdrawals
Official Withdrawal: The date that the student formally notifies NDSCS of their intent to withdraw via online e-form which includes their electronic signature.
Unofficial Withdrawal: The date that a student ceases to be an eligible recipient of financial aid funds as a result of failing to attend and/or participate in classes. Unofficial withdrawals are related only to financial aid eligibility and do not result in the refund of NDSCS tuition and student fee charges. To be considered for a refund of tuition and fees, the student must officially withdraw from NDSCS.
Note: Both official and unofficial withdrawals may result in the recalculation and return of financial aid funds to the U.S. Department of Education. Additionally, if a final grade has been earned in at least one class within the current semester and the student ceases to attend remaining classes, recalculation and return of financial aid funds may occur.