Refund Policy & Requirements for Withdrawal
Student-Initiated Withdrawal
The responsibility for officially withdrawing from a class rests with the student. Any informal arrangements made with instructors or other college staff members may result in a failing grade as well as financial liability for all charges incurred for the course. Unless otherwise indicated for specific programs, students may officially withdraw from a 16-week or longer course, with the exception of College Preparatory courses, up to the 15th week of the semester. To do so, a student must talk to RL-Cares and sign a drop form. Students will receive a digital copy of the Drop form and should retain it as proof of the official withdrawal. A mark of “W” will be shown on the student’s permanent record if processed after the last day to withdraw for 100% refund, indicating no academic penalty for such withdrawals. (A degree-seeking student in a College Preparatory class may not withdraw from the course unless withdrawing from all courses.) From the beginning of the 15th week through the end of the 16-week semester, students will not be permitted to withdraw from a class and must accept the grade earned.
Cosmetology students should consult the program handbook for information on withdrawing from courses and refunds.
Official Withdrawal Procedure
| Course Length in Weeks | Last Day to Officially Withdraw For 100% Tuition/Fees Refund | Last Day to Officially Withdraw |
| 12 to 16 | First two weeks | One week prior to last day of class |
| 8 to 11 | First week | One week prior to last day of class |
| 2 to 7 | Prior to 2nd class meeting | One week prior to last day of class |
| 1 or less | Prior to 1st class meeting | Prior to last class meeting |
The dates indicated above apply unless otherwise indicated for specific programs. No refunds will be made for Community Education-sponsored classes or activities unless the event is canceled or if the withdrawal is made five business days prior to the event. See the Fee Refunds section for more information. Students receiving Financial Aid may owe a refund of money if they withdraw from classes after receiving financial aid funds. Aid recipients should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from classes.
Refunds
Tuition and Fee Refunds
Refunds are made only if the proper procedures are followed during the refund periods. Rend Lake College has partnered with BankMobile Disbursements in order to process refunds (financial aid, dropped classes, etc.) which are due to the students. Credit balances cannot be transferred to future terms. More information about BankMobile is available in the Business Office, located in the Administration Building or by visiting http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices.
Should a student officially withdraw from Rend Lake College during the semester, the tuition to be refunded shall be based on the following unless otherwise indicated for specific programs:
Fall and/or Spring Semester Withdrawal
From 12- to 16-week Classes:
Prior to end of second week of classes - Refund = 100%
During third week of classes and thereafter - Refund = 0%
Summer and/or Fall-Spring Semester Withdrawal
From 8-week Classes:
Prior to end of first week of classes - Refund = 100%
During second week of classes and thereafter - Refund = 0%
Financial Aid Refunds
Financial Aid refunds are disbursed during the 10th week of the Fall and Spring semesters and during the 5th week of the Summer semester. Loan refunds are disbursed 30 days into the semester. All refunds are disbursed through BankMobile. For more information, please contact the Business Office.
Cosmetology School Refunds
Cosmetology, barbering, nail technology and esthetics students should consult the program enrollment agreement or program handbook for information on withdrawing from courses and refunds.
Community and Corporate Education Refunds
Refunds for Community Education-sponsored classes or activities will be made if the cancellation is received five business days prior to the event. Refunds for trips and tours will be made if the cancellation is received two weeks prior to the trip.
Fines and Financial Obligations
A hold will be placed on the accounts of students who have an outstanding balance. Depending upon the amount outstanding, the hold may prevent the student from registration in future terms.
Library Fines – Fines for lost, overdue or damaged materials a student has borrowed from the Learning Resource Center will be settled between the student and the Circulation Specialist.
