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Refunds/Withdrawals

Refunds

Due to health and safety concerns resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be able to distribute refund checks in person. Instead, we will issue refunds via direct deposit or will be mailing refund checks to the student's permanent (home) address.    

We have developed a tool allowing students to easily enroll in direct deposit via their myRedDragon account, and we encourage this option. In order to enroll, access the student tab from mRD and select the “Set Up Direct Deposit” option from the Student Accounts channel on the upper right hand side of the page. When prompted, enter your bank information (routing number and account number). 

If you decide to withdraw from or not attend SUNY Cortland, it is your obligation to properly and promptly withdraw through the Registrar's Office. Non-attendance of class(es) does not qualify as an official withdrawal and does not relieve a student of financial obligations.

Liability

Reduction (and refund, if applicable) of tuition liability is made according to Loading.... Students incur liability based on the length of the academic term and the date of official withdrawal. To qualify for liability adjustments, students must follow the university's official withdrawal policy and complete and submit the proper Registrar's Office form. Non-attendance, stop payment orders on checks, and/or disputing credit card payments do not constitute official withdrawals. Students who process initial registration during the drop/add period will not be withdrawn for non-payment and will be held responsible for payment of their charges. For specific semester refund schedules, please visit the relevant link(s) below.

Federal regulations require the Financial Aid Office to recalculate the amount of federal financial aid a student has earned as of the official date of withdrawal.

A student is not eligible for 100% of federal financial aid until 60% of the semester has been completed. As a result, loan money already received on a student's behalf may have to be repaid.

Also, available aid for subsequent semesters may be affected by a withdrawal. It is strongly recommended that students consult with their financial aid counselor before making a decision to withdraw. For more details, see Loading... in the Academic Catalog.

Refunds

Students who withdraw from SUNY Cortland before the semester or after a semester is underway may be entitled to receive refunds of some of the paid charges, deposits and fees.

Those who are denied permission to register at the university will be entitled to a full refund of tuition, room and board charges paid for that term but students who are suspended by the Student Conduct Office are fully liable for all semester charges per 8NYCRR 302.2 (b)(2). Students will receive a full refund of tuition and fees when a course is canceled by the university.

Any refunds issued as a result of reduced charges will be done via check in the student's name. However, if the original charge was paid by credit card, in accordance with banking regulations, we will process the refund to the credit card used to pay the charge, whenever possible. In the event of "split" payments, a credit card will be refunded first.

  • Tuition/Admission Deposit Refunds. Fall semester admission deposits are refundable if requested on or before May 1. Spring semester admission deposits are refundable if requested on or before Nov. 1. If a student is notified of acceptance after April 1 for the fall semester or Oct. 1 for the spring semester, the deposit is refundable if both of the following conditions are met: The refund must be requested within 30 days after notification of acceptance is sent to the student, and the refund must be requested before the first day of classes in the term for which the deposit was paid. No deposits will be refunded after the beginning of the semester.
  • Room Deposit Refunds. In order to receive a refund of the room deposit, the student applicant must provide written notification of withdrawal from the university to the Residential Services Office by May 1 prior to the fall semester and by Nov. 1 prior to the spring semester. If individuals submit their deposit after April 1 or Oct. 1, a refund will be granted if the written request is received within 30 days of the payment of the deposit and before the first day of occupancy. All new students will follow the same guidelines as for the tuition deposit.
  • Tuition and Fees. Loading... Students incur liability based on the length of the academic term and the date of official withdrawal. To qualify for liability adjustments, students MUST follow the Loading....
  • College Fee. Once a semester begins, the College Fee is non-refundable, unless the class is canceled by the university.
  • Program Service Charge and Course Activity Fees. The Program Service Charge is refundable only if the student withdraws during the 100% tuition refund period. After that date, the Program Service Charge is not refundable. Special activity fees, such as lab fees, art materials, etc., are also not refundable after the 100% tuition refund period.
  • Room Refunds are based on the date personal belongings are removed and check-out procedures have been completed.
  • Meal Plan (Board) Refunds are based on the week of departure.
  • Any liability that remains after an official withdrawal has been processed may be appealed, unless the student has been suspended by the Student Conduct Office. Appeals are warranted only under extraordinary and unusual circumstances that are beyond the control of a student and must be submitted in writing to the Student Accounts Office. As part of that appeal, the student must thoroughly document any relevant circumstance(s). Upon receipt of the appeal, the Student Accounts Office will review it and conduct whatever research may be required. The appeal will then be considered by the Vice President of Finance and Management.