Because student living arrangements and personal spending habits vary widely, there is no single figure that perfectly represents the cost of attendance at WSCC. The standard budget established for financial aid purposes is based on surveys of actual student expenses. A student could spend less money than estimated in the budget simply by sharing housing, carefully considering distance from school and transportation, and otherwise minimizing discretionary spending.

Students are eligible for a pro rata refund of tuition and fees during the first 60% of each enrollment period. The length of an enrollment period is determined by counting the number of weeks that elapse from the first day of class until the end of the final exam period, counting each weekday as 0.2 weeks, ignoring holidays during the term. For example, for a 12-week term, a pro rata refund is in effect for the first 7.2 weeks of the term, which translates as "through Monday of the 8th week." At WSCC, Fall, Winter, and Spring terms are typically 12, 11.6, and 11.4 weeks in length. Summer term is approximately 9 weeks long. After 60% of the period of enrollment has passed, no refund will be made. A student's last day of enrollment for refund purposes will be the day on which official withdrawal or leave-of-absence paperwork with all requested signatures is received by the Registrar's Office.

Where applicable, federal guidelines stipulate that tuition and fee refunds on student accounts be sent back for crediting to the student's financial aid programs. This policy on refunds complies with the United States Department of Education guidelines and regulations for student financial assistance programs currently in effect. Questions about refunds should be directed to the Financial Aid Office, Registrar's Office or Business Office for clarification.