Withdrawing and Dropping Classes
Withdrawing, Dropping Classes, or No-Show Grades
Sometimes your plans change, but dropping classes, withdrawing, or receiving a “No Show” grade can affect your financial aid. Make sure you understand the impact before you make any decisions.
How These Actions Impact Aid
When you drop classes, withdraw from the university, or don’t attend a course you’re registered for, your financial aid may be reduced, and you could be required to repay funds.
- Institutional aid may be canceled if you fail to complete credits.
- Federal and state aid will be prorated based on the date you stop attending.
- If you do not complete any credits in a quarter, you may have to repay all or part of your aid.
Return of Funds Policy
Students who complete zero credits for a quarter, or who have a modular course schedule (not all classes span the full length of the quarter) and do not complete all courses, may be required to return of some of their federal and/or CWU aid in accordance with federal regulations and CWU policy.
For details, read the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.
Impact of “No Show” Grades
Receiving an NS or “No Show” grade means you did not attend a class. This can trigger an immediate aid repayment:
- If you receive all NS grades for the quarter, you must repay all federal, state, and institutional aid for that term.
- Even a single NS grade may reduce your aid if it affects your enrollment level.
Always check your class schedule and drop classes you don’t plan to attend before the Census Date to avoid NS grades. Learn more about the No Show Policy.
Steps to Take Before Withdrawing
Before you drop all classes or withdraw completely:
- Meet with a financial aid counselor to understand how your aid will be affected.
- Review the Return of Funds Policy and your repayment responsibilities.
- If you’re struggling academically or personally, explore options for support first from the Learning Commons.
Make sure you understand your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements to avoid suspension of future aid.
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