Refunds & Appeals

Drop/Add Policy

The total tuition is considered fully earned by the University once scheduled classes have begun. Students desiring to withdraw from the University must formally notify the University of their intention by executing an official withdrawal with the Office of the University Registrar.

  • Failure to attend the course after registering is not justification for elimination of charges.
  • Payment for course changes made after the tuition deadline date must be made at the time of registration.
  • No refund or additional charges will occur for students who drop and add an equal number of credit hours on the same day for the same semester/session if the per credit tuition rates are the same.
  • In accordance with the refund periods for partial withdrawals explained previously, a full or partial refund of the difference between tuition paid and the new tuition charges will be granted if the per credit rates differ. In those instances where the revised tuition charges are greater, the additional tuition charges will be assessed.

Tuition Refunds

If a student formally drops classes within the published refund period, the appropriate tuition refund (less any other outstanding debts owed to the University) will be authorized. The refund can be sent in the mail or electronically as an e-refund (recommended).

Please note: An overpayment on a student's account of $5 or less that was not created by a financial aid disbursement will not be refunded unless the student specifically requests the refund from the Accounts Receivable office.

Issuance of Refund Checks

Refund checks are made payable to the student and mailed to the student's permanent address on file approximately four to six weeks after the end of the drop/add period.

e-Refunds

ODU now offers electronic refunds (e-Refunds) for all refunds. We strongly recommend this option as the fastest, easiest and most direct way to receive your refund.

Special Situations

For classes of less than one semester/session in length, refunds will be granted only before the first meeting of the class. Administrative withdrawals, as in the case of classes canceled by the University or the case of academically suspended students, entitle the student to a full refund of tuition. For refund purposes, the beginning of a semester is defined as the opening day of classes as shown in the course schedule booklet and University Catalog.

For classes of less than one semester in length, refunds will be granted for classes officially dropped before the first class meeting. Students in this category must contact the Accounts Receivable Office at 757-683-3030 in order for their refund to be processed.

Replacement Checks

Checks that are lost, mutilated, or destroyed can be replaced. It usually takes 10 business days to have a replacement check issued. You must submit a Stop Payment Request form.

Tuition Appeals

The University will promptly refund tuition and/or cancel a financial charge from a student account provided the student meets the policy requirements.

Financial Aid Refunds

The Office of Finance is the disbursing agent for financial aid funds. Financial aid funds are applied directly to student accounts as available. If the aid awarded does not fully cover the charges, the student must pay any remaining balance by the tuition deadline. If there is a remaining credit balance, the funds will be returned to the student in the form of a check or e-Refund.

Balance of Aid Checks

Balance of aid checks are normally made payable to the student, mailed to the student's permanent address, and typically released 5-7 business days after the credit balance is created. Students can also receive their balance of aid via e-refund.

Chapter 33 Benefits Funds

Per Veteran's Affairs (VA) requirements, recipients of Chapter 33 (G.I. Bill®) benefits will have their funds posted after the end of the 100% refund period.

Account Representatives

If you have questions or need help with your individual student account, we encourage you to reach out to your Student Account Representative. They are assigned based on your last name.