Tuition Refund Appeals

A student may appeal for an exception to the University refund policy if unusual circumstances exist that are beyond the student’s control. A student must officially withdraw from the course prior to beginning the appeals process. The statute of limitations for an appeal is 90 days from the end of the term in which the course for which the tuition being appealed was offered.

Informal Appeal/Automatic Refund

If a student drops all classes for a given term, an informal appeal for a full refund may be made to the Office of the Registrar. An informal appeal requires that the withdrawal is completed and a request for a tuition refund is made prior to the end of the sixth week of the term (defined by the deadline for an automatic “W”). To be eligible for an automatic refund, the condition for withdrawal must meet one or more of the following criteria and must be accom­panied by appropriate documentation as specified.

The death of a student (sixth-­week deadline for informal appeal waived) prevents the student from completing the course(s). Documentation required: a memorial service folder, notice in the paper or copy of the death certificate.

The serious illness or death of an immediate family member prevents the student from completing the course(s). Documentation required: for serious illness, a letter on letterhead from a physician, psychiatrist or other licensed mental health professional; for death, a memorial service folder, notice in the paper or copy of the death certificate.

A job relocation or loss of employer reimbursement eligibility due to involuntary job loss prevents the student from completing the course(s). Documentation required: a letter on letterhead from the immediate supervisor or human resources administrator.

An unexpected increase in job responsibilities, required change in work schedule or required travel prevents completion of the course(s). Documentation required: a letter on letterhead from the immediate supervisor or human resources administrator that specifies dates of increased workload or travel. The documentation requirements, as listed above, must be submitted to the Office of the Registrar prior to the end of the sixth week of the term. If the documentation is ade­quate and establishes a condition that prevents the student from completing the course(s), appropriate adjustments are made to the student’s account. If conditions do not merit an automatic refund, the student may make a formal appeal. Registrar’s or Bursar’s Office staff reserve the right to request a formal appeal if, in their judgment, conditions and/or documentation are inappropriate or dubious.

Formal Appeal

In cases where circumstances do not fit the criteria for an informal appeal, the end of sixth week (automatic “W”) deadline has passed, or an informal appeal is not accepted, a formal appeal for full or partial refund may be filed.  To submit a Formal Tuition Appeal, log into MyDU, search for Request for Tuition Appeal, under the Requests and Other Actions, click Request a Tuition Appeal link. Please contact the Bursar's Office directly, if you have any questions regarding how to appeal.

The Tuition Appeals Committee, which meets monthly, will review your petitions and deliver its decision to you via letter. This decision is final.

Notes: In accordance with federal, state and institutional regulations, approval of an appeal may require forfeiture of any financial aid proceeds received, which may result in an outstanding balance being owed to the University.