What happens when I withdraw or stop attending all enrolled courses during a payment period?
Federal regulations require that Title IV funds be awarded to qualifying students who are enrolled with the intent to complete a covered certificate, diploma, or degree under the Title IV programs. When a student withdraws from or stops attending all qualified courses for any reason, the student may not be eligible for all or a portion of the Title IV funds awarded. A return of funds calculation is required by the federal government and performed by the Financial Aid Office based on the last date of attendance and the number of days in the payment period. A student who remains in attendance beyond the 60% point of the semester, or meets one of the Return of Title IV calculation exemptions, earns all the aid for which the student was eligible in the payment period.
According to Federal regulations, when a student withdraws from all courses, the percentage of federal financial aid they have earned is calculated by dividing the number of calendar days completed by the total number of days in the payment period. If, for example, a student completes 25% of the payment period, they have earned 25% of their aid, while the remaining 75% must be returned to the federal government. WPCC is required to perform this Title IV aid recalculation within 30 days of determining the student has completely withdrawn. In addition, WPCC is required under federal regulation to return the unearned portion to the federal government within 45 days of the date of determination.
If the Return to Title IV recalculation results in a student debt. The Business Office will invoice the student and place a hold on the student’s account. The student is responsible and required to repay the college the amount owed within 45 days of notification. Until the student debt is repaid, the student will not be allowed to register for future classes at WPCC.
Balance owe will be sent to collection. The College utilizes the N.C. Department of Revenue, and a collection agency approved through the state contract in our collection process.
State Funds
Students who receive State aid and withdraw from all classes on or before the 35% point of the semester are required to return unearned state aid (Next NC Scholarship). A student who remains in attendance beyond the 35% point in the semester is considered to have earned all of this state aid for which the student was eligible in the semester.
Types of Withdrawals
Official: The student submits a drop/withdrawal form, emails the instructor, or tells the instructor in person that they wish to withdraw from the course. Resulting in a D (Drop) or W (Withdrawal)
Unofficial: The student stops attending the class or exceeds the number of absences allowed in the course syllabus. Resulting in an IW (Instructor Withdrawal).
How does dropping/withdrawing from courses impact my SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress)?
Dropped/Withdrawals and/or failed courses affect students’ completion rates, maximum time frames, and GPAs.
Please refer to the Financial Aid SAP Policy or contact a Financial Aid Counselor for more detailed information before withdrawing from a course.