One of our members has checked with ARRL HQ and they placed this on Facebook page. The only charge which is not refunded if not successful is for vanity calls if the calls requested are not available. No refund. BUT, upgrades are NOT charged! See below just published.
ARRL News | New FCC Application Fee Will Not Apply To Amateur Radio License Upgrades . . .
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) staff has clarified in response to an ARRL request that the new $35 application fee will not apply to most license modifications, including those to upgrade an Amateur Radio Licensee’s operator class and changes to club station trustees. The FCC staff explained that the new fees will apply only to applications for a new license, renewal, rule waiver, or a new vanity call sign. As previously announced, the new fees take effect on April 19, 2022.