Your  Account:

Extended Learning Fees and Refunds

When and how can I pay for a class?

View details below on how to pay for a class, how to request a refund and more based on the type of class you are taking:

Please note all Extended Learning credit card transactions will be charged a convenience fee of 2.65%. This convenience fee is subject to change and is nonrefundable.

Credit Classes

The Extended Learning refund policy does not necessarily coincide with the university add/drop period. You can drop your courses any time via the MyCSUSM student portal. You will need your student ID and password. If you do not know your student ID and/or password, you may contact the Student Help Desk at 760-750-6505. If you withdraw before the specified date outlined on this table, you will receive a full refund. If you withdraw after the specified date you will receive no refund. 

Due Dates

View upcoming payment deadlines by program.

Refund Schedule

Classes 16 Weeks or More
Refund Schedule Refund
Up to 11:59 pm on the 14th day of the session 100%
After the 14th day of the session 0%
Classes 15 Weeks or Less
Refund Schedule Refund
Up to 11:59 pm on the 7th day of the session 100%
After the 7th day of the session 0%

Refunds may take four to six weeks to reach those who have withdrawn. To check on the progress of your refund go to your MyCSUSM portal account. The Extended Learning refund schedule may not follow CSUSM's add/drop or academic record penalty schedule.

After the refund deadline has passed take a completed Student Fee Appeal Form to Cashiers in Cougar Central.

*An administrative fee of $5.00 applies to all refunds. 

Noncredit Classes

Payment Methods

Fees for non-credit classes are due at the time of registration. We accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card, American Express, check, and company purchase orders. You may also pay with check or money order, in person at Extended Learning (Monday through Friday only), or mail a check or money order made payable to Cal State San Marcos Extended Learning. No credit card payments can be accepted by mail. For online registration, Extended Learning accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, American Express and e-check payments securely. Cal State San Marcos Alumni Members receive a 15% savings on most non-credit programs. 

Cancellations and Refunds

For all non-credit classes, cancellation notification must be made in writing. Written notice may be made by email to el@csusm.edu, three days before the first day of class to receive a full refund. A $20.00 administrative fee will be charges for all refunds. The  2.65% convenience fees (if applicable), and purchased material fees are non-refundable. No refunds will be issued once a class has started. No refund will be issued for online classes once online material has been accessed by the student. “NO SHOWS” ARE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT IN FULL FOR NON-CREDIT CLASSES.

Transfer or Substitution

One non-refundable transfer or substitution is allowed (for select programs) instead of receiving a refund. This transfer/substitution must be used within the same fiscal year (July 1 – June 30), and all transfers must be requested and completed prior to the second session in a multi-session course. No credits will be issued; refund or transfer must be made at time of cancellation. Refunds may take four to six weeks to reach students who have withdrawn.

Online Noncredit Classes

Cancellations and Refunds

Requests for drop, refund, hold, or transfer must be made in writing. For refunds requested within 10 calendar days commencing on the date listed as the start date on the student’s account, 100% of the tuition amount will be refunded, minus a $20 admin fee, provided no more than 20% of the program has been completed and all course materials are returned in as-new condition at the student’s expense. Such materials must be received within 10 days of the date of receiving the materials return instructions. The cost of materials not received or those that cannot be returned (such as software, memberships, exam vouchers, or exam sponsorship) shall not be refunded. No credits will be issued; refund or transfer must be made at time of cancellation. Refunds may take four to six weeks to process.

Transfer or Substitution

As an alternative, students may request one non-refundable transfer or substitution. This transfer/substitution must be used within the same fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Transfers will not be approved once Extended Learning has invoiced a third party. An exception can be made if the cost of the course (or combination of courses) is of equal or lesser value. We are only able to accept payments for the exact amount of the course(s) registered for. Any unrecoverable costs from the original course cannot be refunded. Students may request a hold on their studies for up to three months. Students with a hold must resume their studies prior to the three month deadline.

Dishonored e-check/check payments

Please visit us online to read our policy on declined credit cards and dishonored checks. Rejected e-checks are subject to a $20.00 fee.

Contract Credit 

Contract credit includes Study Abroad credit, BTSA credit and other similar courses/credit. There are no refunds for contract credit classes.