After registering for classes, students may decide to change their schedules. That’s okay! However, when making these updates it’s important to follow the proper procedure and to do so before the published deadline. Prior to modifying your class registration, please review the information below and reach out to NDSU One Stop or your Academic Advisor with any questions.
Definitions of Dropping or Withdrawing
Dropping: Dropping occurs when a student wishes to discontinue enrollment in a particular class, but remains enrolled in at least one other class during the term. Dropping results in either a 100% or 0% refund—there are no partial refunds for dropped classes. Refund eligibility depends on the date of the drop and the percentage of class time elapsed.
Withdrawing: Withdrawing occurs when a student cancels their registration in all classes (i.e., withdrawing to zero credits) and discontinues their studies for the semester. Withdrawals result in a 100%, 75%, 50% or 0% refund of tuition and fees, depending on the date of the withdrawal form submission.
| Drop | Withdrawal |
|---|---|
| MATH 101 | |
| UNIV 189 | |
| ENGL 202 | |
| HNES 140 |
Please note: **Dropping is for single classes and the student remains enrolled at NDSU. Withdrawals indicate that the student is fully discontinuing their studies and will not be enrolled in any classes during the semester.
Dates and Deadlines
Students are responsible for reviewing deadlines associated with withdrawing.
How to Drop an Individual Class
This task may be completed online by the student via Campus Connection.
Instructions: Dropping Classes Individually
Refund Reminder! Dropped classes will result in a 100% refund of tuition/fees if the drop is executed before the deadline and the student is below the thirteen-credit tuition cap. After the deadline, no refund will be provided. There are no partial refunds for dropped classes.
How to Withdraw from ALL Classes
Withdrawing from ALL classes requires an electronic form which prompts NDSU staff to withdraw the student from all classes and notifies a variety of departments on campus (e.g., Residence Life, Financial Aid, etc.).
Instructions: Withdrawing from ALL classes
Refund Reminder! Withdrawals result in a 100%, 75%, 50% or 0% refund of tuition/fees, depending on the date of submission.
NDSU Tuition and Fee Refund Schedule
NDSU adheres to the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education Refund Policy 830.2 and the North Dakota University System Refund Procedure 830.2 when reducing student account tuition/fee charges resulting from drops and withdrawals.
| Percent of Course Completed * | Tuition and Fees Refunded | |
| Dropping a Class ** | Withdrawing *** | |
| 0.000% - 8.999% | 100% | 100% |
| 9.000% - 34.999% | 0% | 75% |
| 35.000% - 59.999% | 0% | 50% |
| 60.000% - 100.000% | 0% | 0% |
When eligibility for a refund is calculated NDSU takes the number of calendar days that have elapsed since the class has started and divides that by the number of calendar days in the class. As a result, a class with fewer calendar days will have a shorter deadline to receive a refund. Academic credits subject to the NDSU tuition and fee cap for full-time tuition are not eligible for a refund.
Financial Aid Implications
Withdrawing from a term may require the return of Federal Financial Aid (Title IV) Funds. At the start of the semester, students are provided with financial aid under the assumption that the student will complete the semester. If a student withdraws mid-semester, a calculation of "earned" aid is completed by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. This calculation will take multiple factors in to consideration, including the student’s last date of attendance. "Unearned" aid is returned to the Department of Education and/or the loan lender and may result in a balance due to NDSU, which must be paid by the student.
Dropping 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 vs. Unofficial Withdrawals
Official Withdrawal: The date that the student formally notifies NDSU of their intent to withdraw via online 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 reversal of NDSU tuition and student fee charges. To be considered for a refund of tuition and fees, the student must officially withdraw from the University (see above).
NOTE: Both official and unofficial withdrawals may result in the recalculation and return of financial aid funds to the U.S. Department of Education.
Returning to NDSU and Outgoing Transfers
You are always welcome to return to NDSU! Further information and reminders about this process may be found here: Returning Students – Transfers (in/out).