Refunds

There are multiple types and reasons to receive a refund, which are detailed on this page. The general time frame for all refund types is four (4) to six (6) weeks. The process for most types of refunds begins after the term Census date (refer to Academic Calendar). Refunds may be posted to your student account to pay any current or outstanding university charges prior to being refunded. For purposes of the refund policy, mandatory fees are defined as those system-wide fees and campus fees that are required to be paid in order to enroll in state-supported academic programs at the California State University.

What can we help you with?

Return to Title IV

When a student who has received Title IV financial aid withdraws or otherwise fails to complete a period of enrollment for which he or she was charged, the institution is required to determine if a refund must be made to the student or if unearned aid must be returned to the federal accounts. Calculations will be based on the withdrawal date and the percentage of the period of enrollment completed. If Title IV funds have been disbursed during the enrollment period, aid will first be returned by the institution to the programs in the order listed below as required by Federal Law and determined by the university. If funds have been disbursed directly to the student, he or she may be required to repay any unearned aid. In some cases where eligibility for aid exceeds the amount disbursed, the regulations allow for a post-withdrawal disbursement, the university will notify you of the process required to receive the funds. The University must return unearned funds for which it is responsible as soon as possible but no later than 45 days from the determination of a student’s withdrawal.

Title IV Financial Aid consists of the following programs:

  • Unsubsidized William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
  • Subsidized William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan
  • William D. Ford Federal Direct PLUS Loan
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
  • Federal Teach Grant

Questions? Contact the Cal Coast Student Financial Center

Select the type of withdrawal:

Full Refund for Withdrawal

Students who completely withdraw from the University before the first day of the term are entitled to a full refund of Basic Tuition & Fees, Non-Resident Tuition, and Professional Program Fees. However, a refund administrative fee of $21 will be withheld.

Prorated Refund for Withdrawal

Students who withdraw from the University between the first day of the term and the 60% point of the term are entitled to a prorated refund of applicable Basic Tuition & Fees, Non-Resident Tuition, and Professional Program Fees. However, a refund administrative fee of $21 will be withheld. A student withdrawing from the University after the 60% point of the term shall not be entitled to any refund of tuition or mandatory fees.

Financial Aid Disbursements

San Diego State University policy is to apply financial aid and/or scholarship funds directly to charges for the semester's basic tuition and fees, residence hall charges, and other eligible institutional expenses (including financial aid overpayments) before releasing funds to you. Please be aware that not all University fees can be covered by financial aid. It is the student’s responsibility to review their account for any outstanding balance not covered by their financial aid award. The University Bursar’s Office will send you an email notice when your financial aid or scholarship funds have been processed. Students are responsible for checking their account for any remaining balance due.

Excess Financial Aid funds will be sent within 14 days of disbursement unless we have received written authorization to hold funds. For questions, please refer to Money Matter