Whether you want to drop or withdraw from a class, there are important steps to take and timelines to consider. Dropping and withdrawing may impact your grade, refund, and financial aid, and status in University owned housing. Therefore, it may be advisable to add a course or replace a course drop or withdraw in your schedule. As a reminder, F-1 and J-1 international students cannot drop below full-time without prior approval from International Student and Scholar Services.
Financial Aid Considerations When Withdrawing
Withdrawing from a course can affect your financial aid, including federal student loan eligibility.
- Federal student loans: Beginning Fall 2026, federal loan eligibility may be reduced when enrollment falls below full-time (undergraduate - 12 credit hours; graduate - 9 credit hours), even if you remain eligible at the half-time level.
- Timing matters: Dropping a course before the 10th day of classes and withdrawing after the 10th day can have different financial aid consequences. A withdrawal after the 10th day may affect a future loan disbursement within the same academic year.
- Other financial aid: A course withdrawal may also affect other types of financial aid or your progress toward completing your degree, particularly if the withdrawal results in a lower enrollment level or extends your program.
- BEFORE withdrawing: Contact Financial Aid at FinancialAid@IllinoisState.edu to review how a course or university withdrawal may affect your specific aid package and whether you could have a balance due now or a reduction in future aid.
Students may drop courses online through the Manage Classes tile in their Student Center until online registration closes. After registration closes, to drop or withdraw from a course, complete the Course Drop and Course Withdrawal Request Form located under Registration in My.IllinoisState.edu. If the form is closed, please email Registrar@IllinoisState.edu for assistance.
Students can also drop courses in person. Stop by 107 Moulton Hall Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A photo ID is required.
If you need to withdraw from all your courses, this is called a University Withdraw. Information on how to withdraw from the university can be found on the University Withdraw page.
Dropped Course
You can drop one or more classes during the designated add/drop period. Dropped classes do not appear on your transcript.
Withdrawn Course
You can withdraw from one or more courses during the designated withdrawal period. A grade of WX will appear on your transcript if you withdraw from a class.
Request for Change
If circumstances make it impossible for you to follow the usual withdrawal procedures, or you need to withdrawal after the deadline, please submit the Request for Change form and a statement that explains your situation with appropriate documentation. Instructions for the Request for Change form
Tuition and Financial Aid Adjustments
For questions about tuition adjustments, contact Student Accounts at (309) 438-5643. University Tuition Adjustment Calendar
For questions about financial aid adjustments, contact the Financial Aid Office at (309) 438-2231.