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HomeEducation CodeDiv. 10Pt. 59Ch. 8Art. 13§ 94920 Non-Federal Student Refund Rules

§ 94920 Non-Federal Student Refund Rules

Education Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 94920 Non-Federal Student Refund Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •If a school doesn't use federal student aid, it must tell students they can cancel in writing or by not showing up.
  • •Students can get all their money back (minus up to $250) if they cancel before the first class or within 7 days of signing up.
  • •If a student drops out after starting, the school must give back some money based on how much of the course they finished.
  • •The school has 45 days to give the money back after a student cancels or leaves.

Example

A student signs up for an online coding class but changes their mind after 5 days.

The school must give back all the money the student paid, except up to $250, because they canceled within 7 days.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 94920 Non-Federal Student Refund Rules

An institution that does not participate in the federal student financial aid programs shall do all of the following: (a) The institution shall advise each student that a notice of cancellation shall be in writing, and that a withdrawal may be effectuated by the student’s written notice or by the student’s conduct, including, but not necessarily limited to, a student’s lack of attendance. (b) Institutions shall refund 100 percent of the amount paid for institutional charges, less a reasonable deposit or application fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250), if notice of cancellation is made through attendance at the first class session, or the seventh day after enrollment, whichever is later. (c) The bureau may adopt by regulation a different method of calculation for instruction delivered by other means, including, but not necessarily limited to, distance education. (d) The institution shall have a refund policy for the return of unearned institutional charges if the student cancels an enrollment agreement or withdraws during a period of attendance. The refund policy for students who have completed 60 percent or less of the period of attendance shall be a pro rata refund. (e) The institution shall pay or credit refunds within 45 days of a student’s cancellation or withdrawal. (Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 167, Sec. 2. (AB 1013) Effective January 1, 2012. Repealed as of January 1, 2027, pursuant to Section 94950.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

enrollmentattendanceeducationagreementregulationcancellationinstitutionschool

Related Statutes

  • § 94919 Student Financial Aid Refunds
  • § 94809 Pending Approval Operations
  • § 94840 Student Enrollment Contracts
  • § 94885.5 Provisional Degree Program Approval
  • § 94885.7 Accreditation Loss Notification Requirements

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Education Code. Section 94920.
View Official Source