F-007 Student Refund of Tuition and Fees

Students needing a refund for dropping classes or withdrawing from Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) must follow official procedures during the drop/add period. 

Refunds for dropped classes 

Students must drop a course(s) during the first five calendar days of the semester to avoid any financial obligation. 

For courses starting after the first week of the semester, students have one calendar day after the first class session to drop the course. For example, lab courses often meet one time per week beginning the second week of the semester. Students may have up to the day after to drop. 

If SMSU changes the schedule so that students are dropped from a course schedule, students’ tuition will be adjusted without penalty. For example, if the university cancels a course for which students were enrolled, the students will be refunded without penalty. 

Refunds on fees will be on the same basis as tuition when withdrawing or dropping credits. 

Refunds for withdrawals 

Official withdrawal is defined as terminating enrollment in all registered courses in a semester. Students must drop or withdraw from all of their courses for accurate determination of their financial obligation to SMSU. 

Fall and Spring Academic Terms: 

Summer sessions and other terms at least 3 weeks but less than 10 weeks in length. 

Class term less than three weeks in length. 

Textbooks and required materials are not refunded. See the bookstore policy for returns. 

Authorized Waivers 

In the event students experience extraordinary circumstances that necessitates withdrawing from a course or courses beyond the allowable refund period, an appeal including appropriate documentation should be submitted within 14 calendar days from the date of the withdrawal. For purposes of this policy, extraordinary circumstances include, but are not limited to, medical reasons, university error, an employment related condition, military duty, change in course conditions, or other significant personal circumstances. 

Refund Method 

Where tuition and fees were paid through the use of a credit card or debit card and a refund has been approved in accordance with the requirements outlined in “Refund for Withdrawals” of this policy, the refund must be processed using the original credit card or debit card account, and the same processor and merchant agreement as used for the original transaction. 

Refunds of tuition and fee payments made by check or cash must be made by direct deposit, check, or external payment provider. 

Related Documents 

System Procedure 5.12.4, “Refund of Tuition and Fees” 

Policy History 

Date of Adoption: May 7, 2026 
Date of Last Review:  

Date and Subject of Amendments 

5/26 – Creation of policy