Withdrawal Periods

Withdrawals are defined by the time in the semester you wish to withdraw. There are both academic and financial implications associated with the date you drop your course(s). Hardship Withdrawals (defined as medical, mental health, or special circumstance) are only considered for past semesters or the current semester’s WF period.

Prior to withdrawing, you are encouraged to contact the University Registrar to confirm the point in the semester for which you are withdrawing, and speak with a counselor at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships for questions regarding how dropping some or all your courses will impact your aid (e.g. federal and private loans, grants, scholarships, special status, etc.).

For information about tuition refunds, please contact the Bursar’s Office.

---

Dropping One or More Courses

If you are dropping one or more of your courses, but not all your courses during the current semester:

1. Visit the Registrar’s calendar to know the withdrawal period in the semester for which you are dropping your courses. Then, visit the University's academic bulletin and review the section called Dropping Courses and Withdrawal, which will explain academic transcript concerns. 
2. Speak with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships about withdrawal implications. Consider discussing: 
   • how dropping courses can affect your federal or private loans, your scholarships, and other aid for the current and future semester(s)
3.  Contact your academic advisor to help with your courses. Consider discussing: 
   • Progression to degree requirements and risks
   • Full time vs. Part time student benefits
   • Other information relevant to your major and student status 

---

Dropping All Courses

If you are dropping all of your courses, please refer to our Leaving USC page. 

---

How to Drop Courses in Self-Service Carolina

To withdraw from one or more courses follow the steps below.

1. Log in to your Self-Service Carolina account. 
2. Click on the Student tab then the Registration tile. 
3. Click Register for Classes and choose the term from which you want to withdraw. 
4. Registered classes are listed in the summary window in the lower right corner. Each should have an action drop down list. When the drop down is clicked, a student can select the 'Drop/Withdrawal Course/W' option. Please note: if the WF period has begun, the option would read 'Drop/Withdrawal Course/WF'. 
5. Click submit to complete the action. 
6. If you are not able to withdraw, it is possible that there is a hold on your account. Go back to the home screen, and click the 'Registration Notices and Holds' option to view holds or notices on your account. Contact the department(s) listed to have the hold removed.