College Refund Policies?

Applying to College
1

<p>Is anyone else having a hard time getting a real answer from colleges regarding their refund policy in the case of a medical withdrawal of my student. </p>

<p>We are still evaluating 3 colleges and have attempted to find a clear answer to that question. I am in shock that I can spend $40,000 and not have a clear answer regarding if a school refunds 100% of my investment in the case of an unexpected medical event.</p>

<p>By the way - here is where I am. In addition to evaluating the total financial cost and fit for my student, I am not worried about the risk. Here is my experience:</p>

<p>USC is clear after 15 days - no refunds, but they offer tuition insurance for the $40,000 for only $140,
Arizona State - no clear policy and something about appeals with no opportunity to even buy tuition insurance &
Loyola Marymount - which doesn't have a clear policy but does offer tuition insurance - though it is twice as expensive as USCs.</p>

<p>I can think of no other sizable investment I have made that has so little clarity regarding the risk?<br>
Seriously ? Someone should make schools have a standard process regarding the terms, conditions and refund policies. Most appear to have unclear and inconsistent approaches. I guess it is easy for the school administrators - as it isn't their money at risk. Any advice?</p>

2

<p>Each institution sets its own policy about refunds, and usually it is right in the catalogue. If you can’t find it by reading the catalogue or searching the website, call and ask.</p>

<p>However for this kind of expense, a tuition insurance policy might be best for you. There are several threads about those policies in the Parents Forum.</p>

3

<p>You don’t have to buy tuition insurance from the college or university. There are several independent companies that offer these policies as well.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the response. I must say - that I called ASU - and after 3 transfers and more than an hour, I still didn’t have an answer. I think my son wants to stay in LA - so Loyola and USC are probably better options and both have tuition insurance.</p>