Deciding whether to enroll as a full-time or part-time student is a big deal—it can shape your academic journey, career path, and even your daily routine.
Graduate and nontraditional students — including those raising children or working full time — tend to have the highest part-time enrollment rates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, in October 2020, 41.5% of full-time college students worked, while 82% of part-time students were employed.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between full-time and part-time enrollment, helping you make a smart decision that aligns with your future aspirations. Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate, a working professional returning to school, or someone seeking a career change, understanding these enrollment options will set you on the right track. Let’s explore which path is best for you!
What Does It Mean to Be a Full-Time Student in College?
Undergraduates are often considered full-time college students if they take at least 12 credits per semester (about four semesters). According to NCES, the majority of these students are not employed. In 2018, over 43% of full-time undergraduates were employed.
Most institutions require full-time graduate students to take at least three classes (or nine credits) per semester. In autumn 2019, around 1.7 million graduate students were enrolled full-time.
What Does It Mean to Be a Part-Time Student in College?
The main difference between a part-time and full-time student is the number of credits they take each semester.
Part-time undergraduate students often take 11 or fewer credits every semester, while part-time graduate students normally take fewer than nine. Graduate students enrolling in their thesis or dissertation course are frequently exempt from this requirement.
Part-time students make up a large percentage of those enrolled in colleges and universities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), of the 19.6 million students attending these schools in fall 2019, 7.7 million were part-time students.
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3 Main Differences Between Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment
The main differences between full-time and part-time students are; tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and time commitments.
1. Time Commitment
Full-time students typically take 15 credits per semester to graduate within four years. That translates to approximately five classes per term. When you factor in study time and out-of-class assignments, full-time students dedicate many hours each week to academics alone.
A part-time student often takes one to three classes per week. At this rate, it takes substantially longer to complete a degree; nevertheless, you have more time to devote to employment and family responsibilities. Many schools also limit the amount of time you can take to complete your degree, ranging from 6-10 years for a bachelor’s to 5-7 years for a master’s.
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2. Tuition Cost
Generally, a part-time college student pays per credit. They may end up paying less in tuition each semester, but they’ll likely be enrolled in classes for a much longer period of time. According to EducationData.org, four-year public colleges charge in-state students an average of $312 per credit.
Attending college part-time allows students to manage jobs and other responsibilities. While this schedule may be difficult, it can assist in alleviating their financial load. Furthermore, some firms will cover all or part of an employee’s tuition expenditures.
A full-time student typically pays an annual or semester-based tuition cost, which may require paying more money upfront. However, many colleges charge a set fee for 12-18 credits per semester. This single charge can save students who take 13 or more credits every semester a lot of money.
3. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your enrollment status (full-time or part-time) can have a direct impact on your eligibility for financial aid. Eligibility for federal financial help requires at least six credits every semester, or half-time enrollment.
These programs likewise rely on the maximum eligibility on the amount of credits completed. If you only enroll half-time and obtain a $6,000 Pell Grant, your grant will be decreased accordingly.
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Should I Opt for Part-Time or Full-Time Program?
Full-time and part-time enrollment both present unique problems and opportunities.
Full-time students face challenges such as higher upfront tuition payments and less time to work or fulfill other obligations. Benefits include speedier degree completion and increased financial assistance prospects.
Furthermore, according to the NCES, enrolling full-time can improve your chances of graduation due to better retention rates.
Part-time students may face difficulties combining the obligations of school and other responsibilities, as well as a prolonged graduation timeframe. Part-time students may have limited networking opportunities and difficulty accessing student services and resources due to weekend or evening classes.
Some of the advantages include lowering the financial strain by paying less upfront for school. In rare situations, a student’s employer may be willing to help pay for tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your decision should be based on factors such as your financial situation, work commitments, personal responsibilities, and academic goals. If you need a faster degree completion and can dedicate more time to studies, full-time may be best. If you have work or family obligations, part-time might be a better fit.
Yes. While full-time students often pay a flat tuition rate per semester, part-time students usually pay per credit hour. This means part-time study may be more affordable per semester but could cost more in the long run due to an extended study period.
It might. Many scholarships and financial aid programs require full-time enrollment. However, some grants, loans, and employer tuition assistance programs still offer support to part-time students.
Full-time students may have less time for employment but can qualify for internships and on-campus jobs that require full-time student status. Part-time students can work more hours but may find fewer student-exclusive job opportunities.
Most master’s programs require 30-60 credits and take 1-2 years of full-time study to complete. Depending on your schedule and how many credits you can commit to each term, part-time enrollment can lead to a degree in 3-6 years. Most programs limit the number of years you can take to earn a master’s — normally anywhere from 5-7 years.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fresh high school graduate, a working professional returning to school, or someone seeking a career change, understanding these enrollment options will set you on the right track. Each option has its perks and challenges, and the right choice depends on your personal goals, finances, and lifestyle.
