Financial Aid

FAQ - Withdrawals

  • What happens if I withdraw from one of my classes?
    • For single course withdrawals, students will be assessed full tuition and fees in accordance with the University's tuition and fee schedule for classes dropped after the 100% refund/credit period (see the University's Refund/Credit Policy ).

      If your financial aid has not been completed at the time of the single course withdrawal, your financial aid will be packaged according to your current enrollment.
  • What happens if I withdraw from all of my classes?
    • When a student officially withdraws from all classes, their financial aid eligibility must be recalculated as determined by the Federal Return of Funds Policy. This calculation determines if the student is eligible to keep the financial aid that was received, and could result in some or all financial aid being removed from the student's University account. See the University's Refund/Credit Policy.

      In addition, a total withdrawal could affect a student's eligibility for future financial aid (see the WIU Satisfactory Academic Progress policy).
  • Will I lose my financial aid if I withdraw from all my classes?
    • If you never attended any classes, all of your financial aid will be removed from your University account and you will be responsible for any outstanding balance.

      If you officially withdraw BEFORE 60% of the term is completed (and attended classes, completed required coursework):
      • A portion of your federal aid (Pell Grant, SEOG Grant, TEACH Grant, Federal Direct loans) must be returned.
      • A portion of state/other grants and scholarships may be returned - the requirements of each program vary.
      • You will be notified by mail of the adjustments to your financial aid within 30 days of your official withdrawal date.
      • For a more detailed explanation of the Federal Title IV Refund regulations see Federal Return of Funds Policy.
  • What happens if I withdraw BEFORE I receive my financial aid?
    • It is possible for some financial aid to be disbursed after your withdrawal, however, it is recommended that you do not accept any loan if you withdraw during the first ten days. Post-withdrawal disbursements are credited to your University account and may result in a refund to you.
  • What else should I know about my financial aid if I withdraw?
  • What is an unofficial University withdrawal?
    • Students that cease attending classes but do not officially withdraw can be subject to an unofficial withdrawal at the end of the semester. To be eligible for Federal funds received, a student must have completed a minimum of 1 class. If a student does not have at least one passing grade at the end of the term, the Financial Aid Office will check with instructors to verify the student did complete the term. If no classes were completed, a Return of Federal Funds calculation is required. The midpoint of the term is used as an "Unofficial Withdrawal" date.