Your  Account:

How Dropping or Withdrawing Affects Your Financial Aid

How Enrollment Changes Affect Your Aid

  • If you drop or withdraw from classes, you may jeopardize future eligibility for student aid (including loans). 
  • If your enrollment drops below half-time, your financial aid awards may be adjusted, and the grace period repayment of loans will begin.
  • If you withdraw from your last active class and didn't complete 60 percent of the semester, you may have to repay financial aid according to the Return of Title IV Funds Policy.

Types of Aid and Enrollment

Federal student financial aid is awarded under the assumption you will be enrolled at least half-time for the semester. Any time you reduce your enrollment after class has begun, CSUSM's Financial Aid Office must review your record and recalculate your aid. Federal (Title IV) aid includes the following programs:

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
  • Subsidized Direct Stafford Loans
  • Unsubsidized Direct Stafford Loans
  • Federal Perkins Loans
  • Federal Direct PLUS Loans

Enrollment reductions can also affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress, which ultimately affects your aid eligibility. Learn more about Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Six Tips to Manage Your Financial Aid

  1. Plan Ahead: Minimize your financial risk by selecting classes carefully, balancing most difficult classes against your other courses and family and work demands.
  2. Understand the Rules for Your Award: Federal Financial aid is awarded with expectation that you complete your classes. When you do not complete you attempt you risk having your aid reduced or canceled.
  3. Know the Consequences: Be sure that you understand what will happen if you withdraw, or fail to complete your classes. A financial aid advisor can help determine your financial liability.
  4. Consider Your Options Before You Drop or Withdraw: Talk to the faculty teaching your class to see if there is anything you can do to complete the class. Make sure you have explored all options for assistance.
  5. Work with Student Accounts: You may be able to work out an extended plan - if you contact Student Financial Services as soon as you have a balance showing on your account.
  6. Don't Ignore Your Account Balance: If you do not take action, your balance will transferred to collections, you will be required to pay an additional processing fees, and your credit score could be affected.