Return of Unearned Military Tuition Assistance Fund Policy

At Delaware State University (DSU), we value our military-connected students and understand the importance of Military Tuition Assistance in supporting your education. Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is granted to students with the expectation that they will complete their enrolled courses for the duration specified in the assistance award. However, if circumstances require you to withdraw or cease attendance, adjustments may be necessary regarding the TA funds initially awarded.

DSU adheres to Department of Defense (DoD) policies regarding the return of unearned Military Tuition Assistance (TA) funds. If a student utilizing Military TA withdraws from a course, DSU will follow a prorated refund process based on the percentage of the course completed, up to the 60% mark of the academic course. Please note that after 60% of the semester has passed, TA funds will no longer be eligible for evaluation for return to the DOD.

DoD Policy Compliance:
DSU complies with the DoD Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring the proportional return of unearned TA funds through the 60% mark of an academic course. TA funds are earned proportionally during the enrollment period, with unearned funds returned to the respective military branch if the student’s last day of attendance falls on or before the 60% attendance date.

Student Support:
Before deciding to withdraw from a course, students are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from various resources, including their DSU academic advisor, military education counselor, or education services officer, as well as DSU’s Office of Student Accounts or Registrar. Understanding how this policy impacts the student’s military tuition assistance and potential repayment responsibilities is crucial. Students must understand that if TA funds are returned to the military, it may lead to outstanding balances on their DSU student account, which they are responsible for settling. It is important to note that settling and outstanding balance to the university remains the student’s obligation. DSU acknowledges that military service commitments may require student withdrawal, and therefore will work with affected service members to minimize any resulting student debt.

Calculation Method:
DSU employs a standardized formula for determining the amount of TA earned by the institution, calculated as a percentage based on the duration of the course. If the calculated percentage is less than 60%, DSU will return the appropriate portion of TA funds to the respective military branch. 

DSU will calculate the earned percentage of TA funds using the formula: (Number of days completed / Total days of the course) = Percent earned.

Procedure for Withdrawal (Academic Regulations):
Official withdrawals, denoted by a “W” grade, will reference the withdrawal date as your last date of attendance (LDA). Upon withdrawal, DSU will use the official withdrawal date as the LDA. Similarly, unofficial withdrawals, indicated by grades such as “WA, WF,” “F,” or “U,” will reference the student’s activity within the course to determine the LDA. This may involve reviewing the last date of contribution or assignment submission for online courses or consulting the course instructor for face-to-face courses.

Refund for Course Withdrawal Process (Undergraduate Catalog 2023-2024)
For each course, DSU will consider the start and end dates to determine the percentage of unearned TA funds eligible for refund. While the refund process may result in a balance on the DSU student account, it remains the student’s responsibility to settle any outstanding dues to the university. We are committed to transparency and support throughout this process to ensure your continued success in your academic journey.

DSU’s commitment to DoD policy compliance ensures fair and transparent handling of Military TA funds, prioritizing student support and financial responsibility.