Reviewed & Updated: August 2025
Withdrawing from a Course
Students may withdraw from a course prior to 75% of the course duration. All course withdrawals must be submitted through self-service. A grade of “W” will appear on the transcript. Students may drop before 10% of the potential hours of instruction have been conducted without a grade appearing on their transcript. Failure to withdraw by the deadline will result in a final grade as determined by the grading policy of the course.
Withdrawing from one or more courses may affect students' full-time/part-time status and may affect program eligibility, financial aid status, verification for insurance, progress toward graduation, and/or other types of funding (e.g., military education benefits). Students should consult with the instructor, the Financial Aid Office, and their Success Coach before withdrawing from the course(s).
Financial Aid
Students that receive Federal Student Aid must academically engage in their courses to maintain eligibility. Should a student withdraw or be administratively dropped from a course in which they have not academically engaged, the Nicolet College Financial Aid Office is required to recalculate the student's Federal Pell award and return any unearned funds to the Department of Education on the student's behalf. A debt will been created as a result and the student will be responsible for making payment arrangements with the Nicolet College Business Office. For information on academic engagement, see SP Census Date policy and SP Participation Policy. Additional implications for financial aid are addressed in the Satisfactory Academic Progress section.
Refunds
The refund policy at Nicolet College maintains compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code TCS 10. Students are eligible for a partial refund of tuition and fees if they withdraw based on the timing of withdrawal as follows:
100% refund if withdrawal is received at least one day before the course starts.*
80% refund if withdrawal is received before 10% of the course’s total hours of instruction have been conducted
60% refund if withdrawal is received after 10% but before 20% of the course’s total hours of instruction have been conducted
0% if withdrawal is received after 20% of the course’s total hours of instruction have been conducted
*Students should reference their schedule to identify the course start.
If a student is enrolled in both a pre-requisite and advanced course, the student may be eligible for a 100% refund for the advanced course if the student is unable to meet the pre-requisite requirement AND the advanced course has not yet begun. Students enrolled in a pre-requisite that can be completed concurrently with another course are not eligible for this refund. Students must notify staff that they wish to withdraw or drop a course to be eligible for the refund.
Course swaps
Within the add/drop period*, the student may choose to add equal or additional credits to swap for a dropped/withdrawn course. In this case, the paid tuition and fees for the dropped/withdrawn course will be applied to those additional credits. If the student adds on more credits or if the fees are not equal, then the student will owe the additional tuition and/or fees for those additional credits or fees.
No swap is allowed if a student chooses to drop/withdraw from a course and add on a course of lesser credit value. In this scenario, the refund (if any) for the course that the student has dropped/withdrawn is calculated at the standard refund rate.
*Add/drop period varies by program and modality. Check with your success coach regarding add/drop periods.
Student Hardship Withdrawal and Refund Appeal
Students may appeal their refund or request a late withdrawal due to extenuating circumstances. To appeal, a student must fill out the Student Hardship Withdrawal & Refund Appeal form found in the Document Center of the student portal. Appeals must be received by the Registrar's Office by the deadlines outlined on the form.
Withdrawing from the Term
A student is considered to have officially withdrawn from the term if they have withdrawn from all courses. Leaving the College during a term without formal course withdrawal or a formal leave of absence may result in failing grades and could jeopardize future attendance at this or other higher education institutions. Student should contact their Success Coach if they plan to withdraw. Any student intending to leave Nicolet College before completing their goals is encouraged to explore the decision with the assistance of an instructor, Success Coach, or other College personnel. A thorough discussion of College resources and alternative options may alter the need to withdraw. Information concerning Financial Aid Title IV Refunds and withdrawing from all courses with no passing grades can be found by visiting www.nicoletcollege.edu/cost-aid/financial-aid-policies.
Nicolet College maintains a record retention schedule of seven years for add/drop and withdrawal. It is the student's responsibility to ensure the add/drop or withdrawal has been accurately reflected on their academic record.