Refund Policy

Introduction

Suffolk County Community College has a refund policy that conforms to the State University of New York's policy for community colleges. Generally speaking, students who withdraw from a course during the first three weeks of the fall or spring semester may be entitled to a partial refund of their tuition and any refundable fees. The date of official withdrawal will determine the percentage of tuition and fees refunded. Students must officially notify the college of their withdrawal by completing a Add or Drop Form in the campus Registrar's Office.

Important information about the Refund Policy

  • Failure to attend classes, informing the instructor of withdrawal, or stopping payment on a check does not constitute either official notification to the college or withdrawal from your courses.
  • Refunds are based on the length of classes and the date of the start of the semester by day or evening sessions in which the classes were taken.

For classes more than eight weeks in length or longer, the percentage of tuition and fees refunded is:

  1. 100% - prior to the first day of the semester
  2.   75% - during the first week of classes
  3.   50% - during the second week of classes
  4.   25% - during the third week of classes
  5.     0% - after the third week of classes

For classes that last eight weeks or less, the percentage of tuition and fees refunded is:

  1. 100% - prior to the first day of the session
  2.   25% - during the first week of classes
  3.     0% - after the first week of classes

The above schedules apply to credit and non-credit courses and programs given by the college.

  • If you paid your bill by cash, check, or credit card, you will receive a check from the college after the three-week refund period for any refund for which you are entitled (i.e., after any debts to the college have been satisfied).
  • If you deferred payment of your tuition and fees through financial aid, loans, or another third party, then your 'refund' will actually be in the form of a reduction in your liability to the college.
  • Certain fees are not refundable at any time. These include the Application Fee, Tuition Deposit, Placement Testing/Advisement Fee, Late Registration Fee, Returned Check Fee, Records Management Fee, and all Tuition Payment Plan Fees.
  • Fees that are non-refundable on or after the first day of the session (semester) include the Technology Fee, Parking Sticker Fee, College Fee, Graduation Review Fee, Liability Insurance Fee, and Accident Insurance Fee.
  • Fees that are partially refundable, according to the date of official withdrawal, include the Laboratory / Equipment / Special Program / Distance Education / Telecourse / Physical Education Service Fees.

Special Refund Provisions for Federal Financial Aid Recipients

Federal financial aid, including loans, is recalculated for students who totally withdraw before sixty (60) percent of the semester is complete to reflect the period of actual attendance. For example, a student who attends for only thirty (30) percent of a semester is entitled to only thirty (30) percent of the aid and/or loans awarded. As a result, students whose accounts were credited with more than their adjusted aid award and/or loan can owe the college money. When this occurs, students are billed and liable for the amounts due. This process is known as Return of Title IV and is compliant by the Department of Education.