Withdrawal and Tuition Refund

Policy When Dropping the Entire Program (Withdrawal)

Withdrawal is defined as the dropping of a student's complete program of study in a given term. This applies to intensive program students, and ALP registrants (non-matriculated Columbia students) taking one part-time class. 

Students who withdraw are only eligible for a refund based on the ALP Tuition Refund Schedule below. Fees such as the Columbia Health and Related Services fee, the Student Medical Insurance Plan premium and late fees may not be refundable, though certain fees may be adjusted.

All ALP registrants must contact the American Language Program advisor to withdraw. Telling an instructor that you will no longer attend class or sending an email does not mean you have withdrawn. Failure to withdraw will result in a mark of UW (unofficial withdrawal) for the course and charge of full tuition.

Students who withdraw from the ALP must pay a $75 withdrawal fee. 

Policy When Dropping Individual Courses (Part-time courses, matriculated students)

Matriculated students who wish to drop an elective ALP class from their course lineup can do so through SSOL. ALP part-time courses follow the University change of program period. 

Fees such as the Columbia Health and Related Services fee, the Student Medical Insurance Plan premium and late fees may not be refundable, though certain fees may be adjusted if the student's enrollment status changes from full-time to part-time as a result of the drop. Course fees (i.e. instructional support fee, technology fee, etc.) for courses dropped during the change of program period are refunded in full.

Telling an instructor that you will no longer attend class or sending an email does not mean you have withdrawn. Failure to withdraw will result in a mark of UW (unofficial withdrawal) for the course and charge of full tuition (where applicable). The course will appear on your transcript.