Coronavirus: Remote classes will not alter UD tuition fees, university says

DAYTON — The University of Dayton provided some clarity to students regarding the cost of tuition, housing, and meals, and potential refunds, pending how different scenarios play out amid the coronavirus pandemic.

>>RELATED: Coronavirus: University of Dayton switches to remote learning as more positive cases reported

But whether courses are in-person or remote for the fall semester, tuition fees will remain the same, UD officials said in a statement to students Tuesday.

“Because UD’s fixed costs, first and foremost faculty and staff salaries, do not change based on whether the course is offered online, in-person or blended, tuition costs will not be discounted based on the modality, nor if we are forced to go completely online,” Andy Horner, Executive Vice President for Business & Administrative Services said in the message to students.

The university moved to all-remote learning for the first week of classes due to rising numbers of COVID-19 cases on campus as students moved back. However, because the university started classes as remote-only, if a student decides with withdraw completely from the university before Aug. 30, they will receive a full tuition refund.

If the student withdraws after Aug. 30, tuition will be adjusted based on a refund schedule already set forth by the school, Horner said.

While tuition will remain the same no matter how courses are delivered, housing and dining charges can be refunded or credited to the spring semester. The university has set the parameters for several scenarios, pending potential outcomes during the pandemic.

• If student leaves campus voluntarily to study, they will be charged the daily rate for housing from their move-in date until the day the move out. Also in this scenario, the meal plan balance will also be refunded, along with with a prorated portion of a $800 fixed-cost administrative fee.
• Similarly, if all students are sent home to study remotely due to the pandemic, students will only be charged for housing during the time they moved-in until the day they vacate campus. Meal plan balance will also be refunded, along with with a prorated portion of a $800 fixed-cost administrative fee.
• However if a student is forced to leave campus for behavioral reasons, including not abiding by UD safety protocols or other health orders, no refunds or credits for housing or meals will be offered.

The university stressed that while UD has incurred extra costs making campus buildings safe amid the pandemic, those extra costs are not being passed along to students and families.

Cox Media Group