Financial Liability for Dropping Courses or Withdrawing

If you officially withdraw from the University or reduce the number of credits for which you’re registered by dropping a course without swapping it with another of equal amount of credits and same session; you may be liable to pay part of or all the tuition and fees associated with the course — even if you don’t attend a single class. You may also put your financial aid in jeopardy of being reduced or canceled. 

Please meet with a Student Financial Services advisor before withdrawing or dropping a course to learn how your enrollment affects your awards and billing. Contact us at [email protected] or 518-442-3202 to schedule an appointment. 
 

This page contains information on the following topics: 

 

Dropping a Course

Dropping a course means you’ve canceled your registration for that course on MyUAlbany. What you do after dropping a course can determine your financial liability: 

  • Swapping courses: Whether you are a full-time or part-time student, you can drop a course and add another of equal credit during the University’s two-week drop/add period at the start of the semester. If you start the drop/add period enrolled in nine credits and swap one of the courses for another degree-eligible course of equal credit amount, there will be no change to your financial liability or your financial aid. Please keep in mind that the courses being swapped have to have the same amount of credits and to be of the same session (i.e. a Six-Week course cannot be swapped with a Full-Semester course, a Six-Week 1 course cannot be swapped with a Six-Week 3 course).
  • Dropping a course without swapping: If you drop a course but don’t replace it with another course — meaning your registration drops below your enrollment at the beginning of the second week of classes — you may be liable to pay part of or all the tuition and fees associated with that course. Your financial liability will be based on the day you dropped the course on MyUAlbany. 

 

Dropping

Withdrawing from UAlbany 

Withdrawing means you’ve dropped all courses for an entire semester or you've left the University. Canceling on-campus housing or your meal plan does not constitute a withdrawal. 

Simply dropping courses on MyUAlbany or not attending your classes does not constitute an official withdrawal. If you decide to formally withdraw from UAlbany, you must drop all courses on MyUAlbany and contact the office related to your academic status:

If you choose to withdraw before completing at least 60% of the academic term, a portion of your federal Title IV aid — which includes Pell Grants, SEOG and federal loans — may be returned to the appropriate aid program. If aid is returned, you may still owe a balance to the University. 
 

Withdrawing
Calculate if / how much of your aid will be returned

You earn federal aid by remaining enrolled, so the percentage of aid you’ve earned is based on the date you began the official withdrawal process. (If you leave without officially notifying the University, your withdrawal date will be your last date of recorded attendance or the midpoint of the semester.) 

To determine the number of days in each semester or term, please refer to UAlbany’s Academic Calendar. Each semester-length and eight-week course may be calculated differently, depending on the number of days within the term or session. 

First, complete this calculation: 

(number of days you completed) ÷ (number of days in the semester or term) = (percentage earned) 

Next, complete this calculation: 

(100% - percentage of aid earned) x (amount of aid used to pay institutional charges) = (aid to be returned)

Note: After the 60% point in the payment period or period of enrollment, a student has earned 100% of the Title IV funds they were scheduled to receive during the period.

Information on medical withdrawals

If you need to seek a medical withdrawal, please coordinate with Student Health Services and/or Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) to preserve your medical confidentiality.  

Tuition refunds for medical withdrawals must be for a total semester or term withdrawal. Exceptions to the SUNY refund policy won’t be granted if: 

  • You drop or withdraw from classes after the mid-point of the semester or term. 

  • You’ll still earn academic credit for the semester or term. 

  • Your account has already been sent to a collection agency or the New York State Attorney General’s Office. 

Tuition Liability Charts 

If you don’t attend class or don’t pay your bill, but remain enrolled in the course on MyUAlbany, you are still liable for tuition and fees. Your registration for courses constitutes acceptance of these terms: 

  • Late fees are automatically added to your student account if your outstanding balance is not paid by the respective bill’s due date.  
  • Unpaid balances, which lead to holds being placed on your account, can also result in your bill being referred to collection agencies or the New York State Attorney General’s Office — meaning you’ll be charged collection fees and interest.  

Visit the Check Your Holds page for more information on late fees and unpaid balances.
 

Charts
Information included in student notifications about unpaid balances

Failure to pay the debt described in the accompanying notice will result in an increase in your liability

The invoice accompanying this notification describes a debt currently due to the University at Albany as an agency of the State of New York. Your failure to pay this debt within thirty (30) days of the initial invoice will result in an additional assessment of the Late Fees or interest charges. Receipt of your invoice is presumed to be five (5) days after mailing. 

If interest is charged, it will be assessed from the date of your presumed receipt of your initial semester invoice, at the corporate underpayment rate set by the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance minus 4%. Interest will be compounded daily on the principal balance which is set forth in the accompanying invoice. 

To avoid the assessment of interest or additional late payment charges, you should pay the amount requested in full by the invoice due date. In addition, should you fail to pay this debt in full within ninety (90) days of your presumed receipt of your initial semester invoice, a collection fee of up to 22% of the amount then due, including interest, may be added to the amount which you owe. 

Please write your ID number on all checks or correspondence and make checks payable to the “University at Albany.” Please advise us of any change of name or address. 
 

State debt collection laws affecting all past due debts owed to the State of New York 

Certain state laws that became effective on January 1, 1993, have granted additional enforcement powers to New York State agencies for collection of non-tax debts. These laws have augmented those codes and regulations that previously existed within the State University of New York. If you have a current or outstanding debt with the University, you are strongly urged to settle this matter now. 
 

Important provisions

Interest or penalty on overdue non-tax debt: State agencies are authorized to assess interest or late payment penalty charges on overdue debts. (State Finance Law §18) 

Collection fee: State agencies or their representatives may charge collection fees to cover the estimated costs of processing, handling and collecting delinquent debts. The amount can be as much as 22% of the outstanding debt. (State Finance Law §18) 

Authority to hold transcripts and deny registration: No person shall receive credit or other official recognition for work completed satisfactorily, or be allowed to re-register, until all tuition, fees and all other charges authorized by State University have been paid or University student loan obligations have been satisfied. (Section 302.1 (f) of Chapter V, Title 8 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations) 

Referral of the debt to the tax department: State agencies are authorized to certify to the Department of Taxation and Finance that past due legally enforceable debts should be offset against any tax refunds, contracts or other State payments. (State Tax Law § 171-f) 

Returned item charge: State agencies are authorized to charge a returned item fee when a check is dishonored. (State Finance Law §19) 

If you wish to avoid these measures, you must resolve any outstanding debts as soon as possible. If you have questions regarding your debt, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at 518-442-3202.  

Note: The SEVIS Fee is not refundable once classes begin. 

 

Spring 2024 Liability Charts

Full semester courses begin Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Drop Dates Liability
January 17 to 23, 2024 0%
January 24 to 30, 2024 30%
January 31 to February 6, 2024 50%
February 7 to 13, 2024 70%
On or after February 14, 2024 100%

 

Eight Week 1 courses begin Wednesday, January 17, 2024.

Drop Dates Liability
January 17 to 23, 2024 0%
January 23 to 30, 2024 60%
January 31 to February 6, 2024 80%
On or after February 7, 2024 100%

 

Eight Week 2 courses begin Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Drop Dates Liability
March 6 to 12, 2024 0%
March 13 to 19, 2024 60%
March 20 to 26, 2024 80%
On or after March 27, 2024 100%

 

Note: SEVIS fees are not refundable once classes begin.

Previous Tuition Liability Charts

Note: SEVIS fees are not refundable once classes begin.

 

Winter 2023-2024

The first day of classes for the Winter 2023-2024 term is Monday, December 18, 2023. The term ends on Friday, January 12, 2024.

Drop Dates Liability
On or before December 19, 2023 0%
December 20, 2023 to December 26, 2023 50%
On or after December 27, 2023 100%

 

Fall 2023

Full semester courses begin Monday, August 21, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
August 21 to 27, 2023 0%
August 28 to September 3, 2023 30%
September 4 to 10, 2023 50%
September 11 to 17, 2023 70%
On or after September 18, 2023 100%

 

Eight Week 1 courses begin Monday, August 21, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
August 21 to 27, 2023 0%
August 28 to September 3, 2023 60%
September 4 to 10, 2023 80%
On or after September 11, 2023 100%

 

Eight Week 2 courses begin Thursday, October 12, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
October 12 to 18, 2023 0%
October 19 to 25, 2023 60%
October 26 to November 1, 2023 80%
On or after November 2, 2023 100%

 

Summer 2023

Twelve Week courses begin Monday, May 22, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
May 22 to 28, 2023 0%
May 29 to June 4, 2023 40%
June 5 to 11, 2023 60%
On or after June 12, 2023 100%


Six Week 1 courses begin Monday, May 22, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
May 22 to 28, 2023 0%
May 29 to June 4, 2023 70%
On or after June 5, 2023 100%


Six Week 2 courses begin Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
June 20 to 26, 2023 0%
June 27 to July 3, 2023 70%
On or after July 4, 2023 100%


Six Week 3 courses begin Monday, July 3, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
July 3 to 9, 2023 0%
July 10 to 16, 2023 70%
On or after July 17, 2023 100%


Six Week 4 courses begin Monday, June 26, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
June 26 to July 2, 2023 0%
July 3 to 9, 2023 70%
On or after July 10, 2023 100%


Four Week 1 courses begin Monday, May 22, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
May 22 to 23, 2023 0%
May 24 to 28, 2023 50%
On or after May 29, 2023 100%


Four Week 2 courses begin Tuesday, June 20, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
June 20 to 21, 2023 0%
June 22 to 26, 2023 50%
On or after June 27, 2023 100%


Four Week 3 courses begin Monday, July 17, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
July 17 to 18, 2023 0%
July 19 to 23, 2023 50%
On or after July 24, 2023 100%

 

Spring 2023

Full semester courses begin Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
January 18 to 24, 2023 0%
January 25 to 31, 2023 30%
February 1 to 7, 2023 50%
February 8 to 14, 2023 70%
On or after February 15, 2023 100%

 

Eight Week 1 courses begin Wednesday, January 18, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
January 18 to 24, 2023 0%
January 25 to 31, 2023 60%
February 1 to 7, 2023 80%
On or after February 8, 2023 100%

 

Eight Week 2 courses begin Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
March 8 to 14, 2023 0%
March 15 to 21, 2023 60%
March 22 to 28, 2023 80%
On or after March 29, 2023 100%

 

Winter 2022-2023

The first day of classes for the Winter 2022-2022 term is Monday, December 19, 2022. The term ends on Friday, January 13, 2023.

Drop Dates Liability
On or before December 20, 2022 0%
Between December 21 and 26, 2022 50%
On or after December 27, 2022 100%

 

Fall 2022

Full semester courses begin Monday, August 22, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
August 22 to 28, 2022 0%
August 29 to September 4, 2022 30%
September 5 to 11, 2022 50%
September 12 to 18, 2022 70%
On or after September 19, 2022 100%

 

Eight Week 1 courses begin Monday, August 22, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
August 22 to 28, 2022 0%
August 29 to September 4, 2022 60%
September 5 to 11, 2022 80%
On or after September 12, 2022 100%

 

Eight Week 2 courses begin Wednesday, October 12, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
October 12 to 18, 2022 0%
October 19 to 25, 2022 60%
October 26 to November 1, 2022 80%
On or after November 2, 2022 100%

 

 

Summer 2022

Twelve Week courses begin Monday, May 23, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
May 23 to 29, 2022 0%
May 30 to June 5, 2022 40%
June 6 to 12, 2022 60%
On or after June 13, 2022 100%


Six Week 1 courses begin Monday, May 23, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
May 23 to 29, 2022 0%
May 30 to June 5, 2022 70%
On or after June 6, 2022 100%


Six Week 2 courses begin Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
June 21 to 27, 2022 0%
June 28 to July 4, 2022 70%
On or after July 5, 2022 100%


Six Week 3 courses begin Tuesday, July 5, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
July 5 to 11, 2022 0%
July 12 to 18, 2022 70%
On or after July 19, 2022 100%


Six Week 4 courses begin Monday, June 27, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
June 27 to July 3, 2022 0%
July 4 to 10, 2022 70%
On or after July 11, 2022 100%


Four Week 1 courses begin Monday, May 23, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
May 23 to 24, 2022 0%
May 25 to 29, 2022 50%
On or after May 30, 2022 100%


Four Week 2 courses begin Tuesday, June 21, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
June 21 to 22, 2022 0%
June 23 to 27, 2022 50%
On or after June 28, 2022 100%


Four Week 3 courses begin Monday, July 18, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
July 18 to 19, 2022 0%
July 20 to 24, 2022 50%
On or after July 25, 2022 100%

 

Spring 2022

Full semester courses begin Monday, January 24, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
January 24 to 30, 2022 0%
January 31 to February 6, 2022 30%
February 7 to 13, 2022 50%
February 14 to 20, 2022 70%
On or after February 21, 2022 100%


Eight Week 1 courses begin Monday, January 24, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
January 24 to 30, 2022 0%
January 31 to February 6, 2022 65%
On or after February 7, 2022 100%


Eight Week 2 courses begin Saturday, March 19, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
March 19 to 25, 2022 0%
March 26 to April 1, 2022 65%
On or after April 2, 2022 100%

 

Winter 2021-2022

The first day of classes for the Winter 2021-2022 term is Monday, December 20, 2021. The term ends on Friday, January 14, 2022.

Drop Dates Liability
On or before December 21, 2021 0%
Between December 22 and 26, 2021 50%
On or after December 27, 2021 100%

 

Fall 2021

Summer 2021

Spring 2021

Winter 2020-2021

Fall 2020

Summer 2020 

Spring 2020

Winter 2019-2020

Fall 2019

Summer 2019 

Spring 2019 

Winter 2018-2019 

Fall 2018

Summer 2018 

Spring 2018 

Winter 2017-2018 

Fall 2017 

Summer 2017 

Spring 2017

Winter 2016-2017 

Tuition Refunds 

If you officially withdraw from the University or reduce the number of credits for which you’re registered by dropping a course without swapping it with another, you may be entitled to an adjustment of charges or a refund of payments you have already made. 

Please be aware that academic deadlines (the last day to drop a class without receiving a W) and refund deadlines (the last to drop a class and receive a full tuition refund) are not the same. Students who drop classes after the refund deadline will need to seek an exception to the SUNY refund policy. 
 

Refunds
How to seek an exception to the SUNY policy 

If you are seeking an exception to the SUNY refund schedule, you’ll need to provide documentation for one of the following: 

  • Call to active military duty 

  • Dismissal from the University at Albany before the start of the academic term 

  • Concurrent registration at another State University, excluding community colleges 

  • Tuition and fees were collected in error or in excess of the required amounts in an administrative error 

  • Undue hardship out of the student’s control, such as medical incapacitation 

Refunds can only be approved if you appeal within one year of the end of the last academic term for which you paid tuition. You must complete the Tuition Appeal Request Form.  A Tuition Appeals Committee meets monthly to review appeals. They will mail a written decision to the student's permanent address, unless another is provided.


 

 

Reasons for which you cannot seek an exception

You will not be refunded for any of the following reasons: 

  • You forgot you registered or were unaware that you registered. 

  • You thought you would automatically be dropped if you didn’t show up. 

  • No one told you that you had to drop.  

  • No one told you there was a refund schedule. 

  • You never received a bill, so you assumed you weren’t registered. 

  • You never set up a MyUAlbany account, so you assumed UAlbany knew you weren’t coming. 

  • You turned in your key, so Residential Life should have told Financial Aid you weren’t coming. 

  • You were doing poorly in a course or received a bad grade. 

  • You found an online class too difficult or time consuming. 

  • You didn’t understand Blackboard. 

  • You didn’t have internet access. 

  • You couldn’t fit classes into your work schedule. 

  • Someone told you that you were “all set.” 

  • You didn’t have transportation to class, or you moved away. 

  • You had to go overseas. 

  • An academic advisor, professor or an administrative office told you the wrong thing.