Refunds
Refunds at a Glance
-
You receive a refund only if your student account has a credit balance
-
Refunds are processed 14 days after financial aid or payments post (federal requirement)
-
Refunds are delivered through BankMobile Disbursements
-
You must select a refund preference to receive your refund
-
Special refund considerations are available for military‑related service obligations
How Refunds Work
A refund happens when the total payments or financial aid applied to your account are more than what you owe for tuition, fees, or other charges.
This extra amount appears on your account as a credit balance. If you have a credit balance and meet all eligibility requirements, that amount may be refunded to you.
Not all students receive refunds. If your financial aid exactly covers your charges—or does not fully cover them—you may not have a refund.
When Refunds Are Issued
Refunds are processed 14 days after:
- Financial aid is applied to your student account, or
- A payment posts that creates a credit balance
This timing is required by the U.S. Department of Education.
Because payments and aid post at different times, refunds are issued throughout the semester, not on a single release date.
Clayton State University uses Bank Mobile Disbursements to deliver refunds.
You must select one refund preference:
- Direct deposit to your existing bank account
- Deposit to a BankMobile Vibe account
- Paper check (if applicable)
Refunds cannot be released until a preference is selected.
What Can Delay or Reduce a Refund
Your refund may be delayed or adjusted if you:
- Withdraw from the university
- Drop or change classes
- Have enrollment changes
- Have a hold on your student account
Partial withdrawals are not eligible for refunds.
To be considered for a tuition refund, you must withdraw from all classes for the term.
University System of Georgia Board of Regents regulations permit refunds of tuition and mandatory fees when a student formally withdraws within an approved period after registration.
-
Refunds are calculated based on how much of the semester has passed
-
Refunds are available only during the first 60% of the semester
-
After 60% of the semester, tuition is not refundable
-
A full refund is issued in the event of a student’s death
Subject to institutional policies, full refunds of tuition and mandatory fees and pro rata refunds of elective fees are hereby authorized for students who are:
-
Military reservists (including members of the National Guard) who, after having enrolled in a USG institution and paid tuition and fees, receive orders to active duty or are reassigned for temporary duty or mandatory training that prevents completion of the term;
-
Commissioned officers of the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (PHSCC) who receive deployment orders in response to a public health crisis or national emergency after having enrolled in a USG institution and paid tuition and fees;
-
Active duty military personnel who, after having enrolled in a USG institution and paid fees, receive reassignment or a temporary duty assignment or a training assignment that would prevent completion of the term; or,
-
Otherwise unusually and detrimentally affected by the activation of members of the reserve components or the deployment of active duty personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States who demonstrate a need for exceptional equitable relief.
Students impacted by military service obligations should contact the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible to discuss documentation and next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Direct deposit: usually 1-2 business days
- BankMobile Vibe: often same business day
- Paper check: typically 7-10 business days