Refund Policy

Purpose:
The Refund Policy ensures that all students understand how tuition refunds are calculated if they cancel enrollment or withdraw from the Welding Foundations & Industrial Safety program. This policy follows Washington State private vocational school regulations and protects both the student and the school.

Student Right to Cancel Before the Program Begins

A student who cancels enrollment before the first day of class is entitled to a refund of all tuition paid, minus any non‑refundable registration fee (if applicable).
Cancellation must be submitted in writing (email, text, or signed letter).

Refunds After the Program Begins

If a student withdraws or is dismissed after the program has started, refunds are calculated based on the last date of attendance and the percentage of the program completed.
Refunds are issued according to the following schedule:
If the student completes:

  • 0% to 10% of the program:
    The school retains 10% of tuition or $150, whichever is less.
  • 11% to 25% of the program:
    The school retains 25% of tuition.
  • 26% to 50% of the program:
    The school retains 50% of tuition.
  • More than 50% of the program:
    No refund is issued.

These percentages are required by Washington State private vocational school regulations.

Determining the Last Date of Attendance

Refund Timeline

The last date of attendance is defined as the last day the student physically attended class.
This date is used to calculate the refund amount.
If a student stops attending without notice, the school may withdraw the student after three consecutive missed days and use the last date attended for refund calculation.

All refunds are issued within 30 calendar days of:

  • The student’s written withdrawal notice, or
  • The school’s determination that the student has withdrawn or been dismissed

Refunds are issued to the student or the funding agency, depending on who paid the tuition.

Non‑Refundable Fees

Dismissal and Refunds

If FORGE charges a registration fee, it must be:

  • Clearly disclosed before enrollment
  • No more than $150
  • Non‑refundable once the student signs the enrollment agreement

If FORGE does not charge a registration fee, this section will simply state: “FORGE does not charge any non‑refundable fees.”

Students dismissed for:

  • Safety violations
  • Conduct violations
  • Excessive absences
  • Non‑payment

are subject to the same refund schedule as voluntary withdrawals.
Dismissal does not eliminate financial responsibility for tuition owed.

Refunds for Students Who Do Not Begin Training

Refunds for Agency‑Funded Students

If a student:

  • signs an enrollment agreement
  • pays tuition
  • but does not attend the first day of class

The school must refund all tuition paid, minus any non‑refundable registration fee.

If a student is funded by:

  • DOC
  • Tribal programs
  • Workforce agencies
  • Community organizations

Refunds are issued directly to the funding agency unless otherwise required by contract.

School‑Initiated Cancellation

Documentation

If FORGE cancels a class or program before it begins:

  • Students receive a full refund of all tuition and fees, including any registration fee.

If the program is interrupted or closed after starting, refunds follow the School Closure Policy.

Students receive:

  • A written calculation of the refund
  • A copy of the refund policy
  • A receipt for any refund issued

The school maintains refund records for compliance.