Return of Title IV Federal Student Aid Funds

Federal Title IV Financial Aid funds are awarded to students under the assumption that they will attend school for the entire semester. If the student “withdraws” for any reason before completing 60% of the semester, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of financial aid funding they were originally scheduled to receive. The Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) Calculation will determine the aid eligibility and if any funds need to be returned at the time of withdrawal.

Title IV Aid

Title IV Aid includes Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity (FSEOG) Grants, Direct Loans ( Subsidized and Unsubsidized), Direct PLUS Loans ( Parent and Grad Plus).

Withdrawal

“Withdraw” is a federally recognized term with a specific federal definition and governing regulations. Students receiving Title IV funds that discontinue enrollment in all classes on or after the first day of the term , withdraw, take a leave of absence, suspended or dismissed are considered withdrawn and subject to the Return of Title IV Funds (Return Aid) policy.

Students are encouraged to talk to their academic advisors, the Bursar, Financial Aid and University Registrar/Records offices to discuss withdrawal to make an informed decision before withdrawing.

The official process to withdraw and appropriate forms are available on the University Registrar and Records website.

Refund Schedule of Fees

Based on the official date of withdrawal, you may receive a full or partial refund of your fees. This refund will not impact the R2T4 calculation but does affect the amount of money you may owe back to the University for withdrawing. Please visit the University Registrar and Student Records for the Official Student Refunds and Return to Title IV Funds process.

Refund Rate

Withdrawal dated within 7 calendar days of the term start date - 100%

Withdrawal dated within 8-28 calendar days of the term start date - 50%

Withdrawal dated after 28 calendar days of the term start date - 0%

How much of the Title IV FSA Funds will need to be returned?

The R2T4 calculation determines the amount of aid earned based on the percentage of term completion. The percentage is determined by the number of days attended for the semester, divided by the total number of days in the semester. Students who complete 60% or more of the term, will earn 100% of their aid and no adjustment will be made.

In what order will my financial aid be returned?

Funds are returned to the Title IV programs in the following order: Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct Subsidized Loans, PLUS Loans, then federal grants (Pell and FSEOG) within 45 days of the student’s withdrawal date.

How will I know what I need to do if I withdrawal (in respect to R2T4)?

The Office of Student Financial Aid prepares the Return of Title IV aid calculation based on the date of withdrawal reported to the University Registrar and Records. If you were enrolled less than 60% of the award term, an adjustment to your financial aid award will be made. The Office of Financial Aid will notify you of the calculation results via email.

After the Return to Title IV financial aid is adjusted per the calculation, a balance may be owed on institutional charges. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements with the Bursar’s Office for any balance owed to the University.

Post-withdrawal Disbursement

Students may be eligible for a late or post-withdrawal disbursement if they have accepted aid that did not disburse at the time of withdrawal from UC Davis. If eligible, MUSC Student Financial Aid will send notification of the action required to either accept or decline a portion, or all, of the late disbursement. If no response is received within approximately two weeks of notification, the award will be canceled. If a response is received, then the aid will be applied to the student’s account before any resulting credit may be disbursed to the student.

Future Aid Eligibility

Leave of Absence (also considered withdrawals for aid purposes) may impact your Satisfactory Academic Progress standing and eligibility to receive aid in subsequent terms. Contact the Student Financial Aid office for more information.

What happens if I stop attending, or never started attending classes but did not cancel my enrollment?

Failure to show up for classes or completing the appropriate drop/withdrawal/leave of absence forms is not considered an official cancellation. You may be billed for all or a portion of your financial aid. Please visit the University Registrar and Student Records for the Official Leaving the University process.