Tuition and Fee Refunds

Purpose

Tacoma Community College understands that circumstances may require a student to stop attending a class or quarter. This policy sets forth how students will be refunded tuition and fees should a student stop attending. Refunds are authorized by the Washington State Legislature under RCW 28B.15.605.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

All individuals registered for classes at Tacoma Community College.

References

• RCW 28B.15.605

Definitions

Drop: Per TCC policy, a student can drop a course through the 10th instructional day of quarter. A dropped course does not appear on a student’s transcript.

Withdraw: Per TCC policy, a student can withdraw from a course between the 11th instructional day and the 60th instructional day. A withdrawn course remains on a student’s official academic record with an official grade of W. A W grade does not affect a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA).

Instructional Day: Days when the college is in session, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

Calendar Day: The time from midnight to midnight and includes public holidays and weekends.

Policy

Credit Course Refunds

Tuition shall be refunded according to the following schedule. The amount of the refund depends on the date of drop/withdrawal.

Fall, Winter, & Spring Quarter Schedule	Tuition Refund
Drop prior to the 6th instructional day	100%
Drop/Withdrawal between the 6th instructional day and the 20th calendar day	50%
Withdrawal after the 20th calendar day	0%

Summer Quarter Schedule	Tuition Refund
Drop prior to the 5th instructional day	100%
Drop/Withdrawal between the 5th instructional day and the 14th calendar day	50%
Withdrawal after the 15th calendar day	0%

Refund periods run from 12:00 a.m. of the first day noted to 11:59 p.m. of the last day noted on the Academic Calendar.

Classes on alternate calendars will be prorated accordingly.

If a class is cancelled by the college, the student will receive a 100% refund regardless of the date of cancellation.

In the event of a death of a currently enrolled student, the deceased student will be administratively dropped from the quarter and a 100% refund will be issued either to the student’s estate or to the appropriate financial aid program per financial aid regulations.

Administrative drops for disciplinary reasons are ineligible for a refund.

Refunds to financial aid programs and/or Veterans Affairs will be made in compliance with federal and state regulations.

Continuing Education Refunds

Tuition shall be refunded according to the following schedule. The amount of the refund depends on the date of drop or withdrawal.

Fall, Winter, Spring, & Summer Schedule	Tuition Refund
Drop 5 calendar days prior to start of class	100%

Refunds Outside of the Refund Period

The college may extend the refund period for students who withdraw for medical reasons, for students called into active military service, or for college error. If exception is approved for medical reasons or military service, student is entitled to a 100% refund. If a college error is found to have occurred, the student is entitled to the refund the student would have received on the date the error occurred. Refunds may also be given in cases where a grievance has been approved. Depending on the circumstances with the grievance, students may receive up to a 100% refund.

Examples of reasons that cannot serve as a basis for exception to refund schedule include:

1. Student’s lack of knowledge or misunderstanding of the refund deadline.
2. Student’s waiting to obtain the results of an exam or other assignment.
3. Student’s grades have declined since the refund deadline.
4. Conflict between student’s class and work schedule.
5. A contradictory refund deadline at another college.

Procedure

This process is administered and overseen by the Finance and Enrollment Services Offices.