Refund Policy

Students receive an automatic refund if the College cancels a class or if the student finds it necessary to drop a class or classes within the deadline to be eligible for a refund. Refunds are issued beginning the sixth week of the semester and are either mailed to the student’s address on file with Admissions & Records Office or returned as a credit to the credit card from which fees were originally paid. There will be a $10 processing fee deducted from the refund when the student initiates a reduction of program. Students may request a refund prior to that time by completing a refund request form available in the Bursar’s Office. Refunds of less than $10 will not be processed automatically and must be requested in person from the Bursar’s Office.

Limitations on Refunds

Enrollment, Student Center, and Student Representation Fees are refundable if class is dropped on or before the "last day to drop and be eligible to receive a refund." See Schedule of Classes for deadline dates. Contact the Admissions & Records Office for deadlines attached to short-term classes.

The student health fee is refundable if classes are dropped on or before the "last day to drop and be eligible to receive a refund" if the student completely withdraws from school. It is not refundable for a reduction of program.

Non-resident and foreign student tuition fees are refundable for a reduction of program or a complete withdrawal. See Schedule of Classes for deadlines to drop and be eligible to receive a refund.

Transportation Fee Refunds

The transportation fee is refundable if classes are dropped on or before the "last day to drop and be eligible to receive a refund," if the student completely withdraws from school. The parking sticker must be returned to the Bursar's Office to receive a refund.

Returned Checks

A service charge of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) will be assessed for any check returned to College of the Desert by a bank. Students who have a returned check will be notified by the Bursar's Office. A hold will be placed on the students’ records preventing any registration activity (including registration for subsequent terms) and verification of enrollment or other transactions. The hold will remain until the financial obligation is met.