Tuition Refund and Cancellation Policies
ARES CDL Institute is committed to providing clear, fair, and compliant tuition refund and cancellation policies. The following outlines the process for withdrawals, refunds, and related administrative actions, in accordance with Missouri Department of Higher Education regulations.
1. Withdrawal & Cancellation Procedures
Students who wish to cancel their enrollment or withdraw from the program must:
Step 1: Submit a written notice of cancellation or withdrawal. This can be done by email, postal mail, or in person to the ARES CDL Institute administrative office.
Step 2: The school will confirm receipt and provide instructions regarding any return of materials or remaining obligations.
Step 3: All eligible refunds will be issued within 30 calendar days of the student’s last date of attendance or the receipt of notice, whichever is earlier..
2. 3-Day Grace Period (Right to Cancel)
Students have the right to cancel their enrollment agreement within 3 business days of signing. This period excludes weekends and holidays.
During this time, students may cancel for any reason and receive a full refund of all tuition and fees, including the $100 administrative fee.
This right to cancel applies regardless of class attendance or orientation participation.
3. Refund Policy (After Grace Period)
If a student withdraws after the 3-day grace period but prior to completing the course, the following refund schedule applies:
Withdrawal Timing
Refund Amount
Within 3 business days
100% refund (including fees)
Before start of Week 1
100% tuition refund (minus $100 admin fee)
During Week 1
100% tuition refund (minus $100 admin fee)
During Week 2
75% tuition refund
During Week 3
50% tuition refund
During Week 4
25% tuition refund
Week 5 or later
No refund
Refunds are based on the student’s official last date of attendance.
Refunds will be processed within 30 calendar days of withdrawal, dismissal, or cancellation.
Students dismissed due to violations of attendance or conduct policies are subject to the same refund schedule.
4. Administrative Fee Refundability
A $100 administrative fee is included in the enrollment process. This fee is fully refundable if the student cancels within three (3) business days of signing the enrollment agreement, regardless of whether classes have started. After the 3-day grace period has passed, the administrative fee becomes non-refundable, even if the student cancels before or during the first week of class.
Materials Fee: $0 — no charge for books or course materials
5. Failure to Attend
Students who fail to attend any classes and do not formally withdraw will be treated as a Week 1 withdrawal and receive a 100% refund minus the $100 fee, per the policy above.
6. Outstanding Balances and Refund Eligibility
Students who withdraw from the program during the 3-day cancellation period or the first week of class are entitled to a full refund of all tuition and fees paid to date. If the student has not yet made full payment (e.g., is on a payment plan or awaiting sponsor funds), no additional charges will be assessed beyond the terms of the refund policy. Refund eligibility is calculated based on the date of official withdrawal, not the total tuition amount
7. Administrative Fee
A non-refundable administrative fee of $100 is assessed upon enrollment. This fee is fully refundable if the student withdraws within the 3-day cancellation period but becomes non-refundable after that time.
