Refund Policy

Refund of Tuition and Mandatory Fees

California State University Maritime Academy adheres to Section 41802 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations, which governs the refund of mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition and tuition assistance for enrolled students.

Mandatory fees are defined as systemwide and campus fees required for enrollment in state-supported academic programs. Refunds for self-support, special session, or Extended Learning programs follow separate University policies available through the Office of Extended Learning.

Eligibility and Refund Procedures

Eligibility
Students who reduce their course load or withdraw within the official drop period—and in accordance with University procedures—may be eligible for a refund of applicable tuition and mandatory fees, minus an administrative charge set by the University.

How Refunds Are Processed
Upon withdrawal or request, student accounts are audited to determine the correct refund amount. Refunds are applied in this order:

  1. Return of financial aid (federal, state, institutional, or third-party)

  2. Outstanding University charges

  3. Remainder issued to the student (or parent for PLUS loans)

💡 Refunds under $10.00 are not issued unless they stem from federal financial aid.

Please Note: A refund does not constitute official withdrawal from the University. Students must notify the Registrar’s Office in writing to formally withdraw.

Withdrawal & Refund Schedules

Full Refund

A full refund of mandatory fees (less administrative charges) is granted if the student:

  • Cancels registration,

  • Drops all courses,

  • And officially withdraws before the first day of instruction.

For instructions and deadlines, contact the Registrar’s Office.

Pro-Rata Refund

If a student withdraws after instruction begins, refunds are based on the withdrawal date and total length of the academic period (excluding breaks of 5+ days).

  • No refunds are issued after 60% of the term has passed.

  • Example: If the semester is 110 days, the 60% point is day 66. A withdrawal on or after this day is not eligible for a refund.

Financial Aid Recipients
Students who received aid and withdraw must contact the Office of Financial Aid. Federal regulations may require repayment of grants or loans based on the length of attendance.

 

Return of Unearned Tuition Assistance (TA)

When a student withdraws, the student may no longer be eligible for the full amount of tuition assistance funds originally awarded.

In compliance with the Department of Defense policy, unearned tuition assistance funds are returned on a prorated basis through at least 60% of the enrollment period. (Tuition assistance funds are earned proportionally during an enrollment period, with unearned funds returned based upon when a student stops attending. These funds are returned to the military Service branch.)

When a Service member stops attending due to a military service obligation, CSU Maritime Academy will work with the affected Service member to identify solutions that will not result in student debt for the returned portion.

 

Course Fee Refunds

All course fee refunds require the student to officially drop the course either through Online Services or the Registrar’s Office. Any fees owed to Cal Maritime and any returns to financial aid will first be deducted from the credit balance. Any remaining credit balance on the student’s account will be refunded unless the student requests that the credit remain on account for future registration.

Specific Fee Refund Schedules

Firefighting Course

  • 7+ days before start: Full refund

  • Less than 7 days: Full refund minus $25

  • On/after start date: No refund

Summer Sea Term

  • 30+ days before start: Full refund

  • 15–30 days before start: Refund minus $50

  • <15 days before start: Refund minus $100

  • On/after start: No refund (+ $250 administrative fee for late drop)

Registrar must certify non-attendance.

International Experience Course

  • Dropped before start: Refund minus $1,800 non-refundable portion

Welding & Manufacturing Lab Fee

  • Dropped before term begins: Full refund

  • On/after term start: No refund

MT Lab Fee (Summer Sea Term)

    • Dropped before start: Full refund

    • On/after start or departure from ship: No refund

 

Parking Permit Refunds

  • Refund requests must be submitted in the same semester.

  • Refunds are prorated based on the CSU Chancellor’s Office refund schedule.
    Contact the University Police Department or Cashier’s Office for assistance.

Housing & Dining Refunds

  • Processed based on the Housing License Agreement terms.

  • No refunds after 60% of the semester has passed.

  • Students requesting off-campus housing must submit a petition by the deadline.
    Details available from the Housing Department.

 

Late Refund Requests

Title V Exceptions for Late Refunds

Students may qualify for a late refund in the following cases:

  • Fees assessed or collected in error

  • Course cancellation by the University

  • Delayed determination of enrollment ineligibility (not caused by the student)

  • Activation for compulsory military service

🔔 Important Note: Requests Due to Exceptional Circumstances

Students who do not automatically qualify under Title V may still petition for a refund due to exceptional or unforeseeable circumstances.

To request a late refund, students must submit the following to the Cashier’s Office:

  • Petition for Waiver of Financial Regulations

  • Refund Request for Tuition and Registration Fees

  • Supporting documentation

Note: Petitions are only applicable for the current semester, and may be reviewed up to one year from the last day of the identified semester/session.

Refund requests will be reviewed by the Registration Appeals Committee, and audited by the Registrar’s Office, Financial Aid, and Accounting before processing.