Title IV Program Refund

Source: Federal Student Aid Handbook, Department of Education

Return of Title IV Funds Policy

Federal Student Aid (Title IV) funds are awarded under the assumption that a student will attend The University of Texas at San Antonio for the entire payment period or period of enrollment. When a student withdraws—officially or unofficially—after beginning attendance, UT San Antonio must determine the amount of Title IV aid the student earned based on the portion of the period completed. Any unearned funds must be returned to the appropriate federal programs.

UT San Antonio complies with U.S. Department of Education regulations regarding the return of Title IV funds. When funds must be returned, they are processed in the following order:

  1. Unsubsidized Direct Loans
  2. Subsidized Direct Loans
  3. Direct PLUS Loans
  4. Federal Pell Grants
  5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

How Earned Aid Is Calculated

The percentage of Title IV aid the student earned is based on:

Calendar Days Completed ÷ Total Calendar Days in the Payment Period
(excluding scheduled breaks of 5 days or more)

  • If a student withdraws before 60% of the payment period is completed, a portion of Title IV funds must be returned.
  • After the 60% point, the student is considered to have earned 100% of Title IV aid.

Withdrawal from UT San Antonio and Financial Aid Implications

 A student who is no longer enrolled and in attendance is no longer eligible for in-school status or an in-school deferment; then the school must report the student's enrollment status as withdrawn ("W") in NSLDS (National Student Loan Data System) Enrollment Reporting. See Title 34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 685.309(b) and 34 CFR 682.610(c).

This policy applies to all students who discontinue enrollment in all classes on or after the first day of the term. This includes:

  • Academic dismissals
  • Medical or mental health withdrawals
  • Tuition and fee appeal withdrawals
  • Students reported as never attending or not initiating participation

Once a student withdraws, they may no longer be eligible for the full amount of Title IV aid originally scheduled for the period. UT San Antonio must complete a Return of Title IV Funds calculation to determine the allowable amount and whether any funds must be returned.

When a Student is Considered Withdrawn

A student is considered withdrawn if they do not complete all the days they were scheduled to attend during the payment period or period of enrollment.

This includes programs taught in modules (short sessions or parts of term).

A student is not considered withdrawn if they meet any of the following:

  • Successfully complete one module containing 49% or more of the countable days in the period,
    OR
  • Successfully complete 49% or more of the period across multiple modules,
    OR
  • Successfully complete Title IV-eligible half-time coursework for the period.

Students may also avoid being considered withdrawn if, at the time they cease attendance, they provide written confirmation that they will resume attendance in a later module that begins within 45 days.

Withdrawal Date

UT San Antonio is not a required-attendance institution. The withdrawal date used for the R2T4 calculation is the earliest of:

  1. The date the student begins the official withdrawal process;
  2. The date the student provides official notification of intent to withdraw;
  3. If neither occurs, the last date of documented academic engagement.

Unofficial Withdrawals

If a student receives failing grades in all classes, UT San Antonio must determine whether the student stopped attending.

  • If instructors can verify academically related activity, that date is used.
  • If no engagement can be confirmed, UT San Antonio will use the last date of attendance reported by the instructor.
  • If no information is available, UT San Antonio will determine the last date of attendance using professional judgment based on available documentation.

Financial Implications

Students may owe a balance to the university after the Return of Title IV calculation has been completed. After the R2T4 calculation:

  • UT San Antonio may be required to return funds to the Department of Education.
  • Students may become responsible for any resulting balance owed to UT San Antonio.
  • If you withdraw from UT San Antonio, your federal student loans may no longer qualify for in‑school deferment. This can cause your loan repayment or grace period to begin sooner than expected.

For more detailed information, students can refer to the Federal Student Aid Handbook or contact the One Stop Enrollment Center. For information regarding the cost of attendance, please visit the Cost of Attendance - UT San Antonio One Stop page.