What’s the difference between a class drop and a withdrawal?

Written by Hannah Souder.

Here in the Cashier’s Office, we get many questions surrounding class drops and withdrawals. These terms may seem like they mean the same thing, but they follow a very different schedule and could have very different consequences when it comes to the university. 

Let’s look at each of these terms:  

  • A class drop is a reduction in credit hours. For instance, if a student is enrolled in 12 credits and chooses to drop a course, their total credit hours will be reduced. 
  • A withdrawal is completely removing all of your class credits. In this instance, if a student is full-time and then reduces their hours to 0 (taking no courses), this is considered a withdrawal. 

‘Will I get a refund?’ is the most common question when these two events take place. Yes, the student will receive a refund, but there are deadlines that have to be met in each scenario. Students taking a drop in credit hours have to do so by the Census day of each semester in order to qualify for a refund. Census day is ten days after the start of the semester.

Students should make sure that dropping a class or classes will not have an effect on their financial aid. Students who withdraw will need to pay close attention to the withdrawal schedule posted semesterly on the Student Services website.

Withdrawal DateRefund %
On or before January 9, 2023100%
January 10, 2023 – January 23, 202390%
January 24, 2023 – February 2, 202350%
February 3, 2023 – February 27, 202325%
On or after February 28, 20230%
Spring 2023

We encourage all students and parents to keep these deadlines in mind when choosing to complete any drops in credit hours! If you have any questions regarding drops or withdrawals, please feel free to reach out to the Cashier’s Office for further information.