The exception to this policy is when the Department of Education's Federal Refund Policy must be applied to those students whose costs are paid by student financial aid funding.

State and/or Accrediting Agency Refund Rule
The State of Illinois has not established a mandated refunding rule for community colleges. The North Central Association as an accrediting agency has not established a refund rule.

Federal Refund Rule (Return of Title IV Funds)
The Department of Education mandates that unearned federal financial aid funds are returned to the specific programs if a a student withdraws from a semester. The amount of the refund is determined by the days of the semester that the student was in attendance versus the remaining days (after withdrawal) until the semester ends.

Students are notified by mail of their debt to the Department of Education. This debt must be paid in a timely manner in order for the student to receive future financial aid.