Whether you're fresh out of high school or preparing for graduate school, there are plenty of decisions to make when you're planning to head to college! And we're not just referring to whether that new duvet cover will clash with the rest of your dorm room decor.
While there are undoubtedly plenty of Pinterest boards out there dedicated to such topics, here we'll be zeroing in on a far more pressing question: Should you enroll as a full-time student or opt for part-time student status?
While it may not seem like a big deal either way, which enrollment status you choose will go a long way in shaping your entire college experience. Rest assured, we've got you covered with a breakdown of everything you need to know in order to make the right choice for your situation.
First, we'll go over what separates part-time students from their full-time counterparts. Then, we'll explore how your enrollment status can affect everything from scholarship and financial repayment requirements to work and family obligations.
What is the difference between being a part-time and full-time student?
In order to attain full-time status, most undergraduate students must enroll in at least 12 credit hours every semester. Given that most college courses are worth three credits each, that equals out to at least four classes each semester or eight every academic year.
But it doesn't take a math major to figure out that taking 12 credits a year won't put you on track to graduate in four years. That's why many undergraduate students who attend school full-time take at least five classes a semester, or even six if they can handle the workload.
Compared to undergrads, graduate students can be considered full time taking fewer credits per semester. The number of credit hours required varies by school and degree program, but it's typically around 9 credits.
So, a part-time student is an undergrad who takes less than 12 credits a semester, or possibly a grad student taking less than that. Let's take a closer look at how college life varies depending on whether you go with full-time or part-time enrollment status.
How to choose between part-time and full-time college enrollment
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether it's better to go to college part-time or full-time. After all, a part-time student and full-time student will need to rack up the exact same number of credit hours to graduate with the same degree.
The real question is which option is right for you. That said, there are definitely several different factors that are worth considering when weighing the pros and cons of each enrollment status. Let's take a closer look at each and how they may (or may not) factor into your decision.
Time commitment and degree completion
If you're setting out for your first year of college and hope to have a bachelor's degree in hand within four years, then full-time study is probably the path for you. Hitting as much coursework as you can realistically handle each semester is going to help you get through college in far less time than part-time enrollment.
On the other hand, it's important to consider whether you plan to work and go to school at the same time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only around 42% of full-time students were employed in October of 2022, as opposed to 81% of part-time college students.
Finding the perfect balance between part-time work and a full-time degree program isn't always an easy task. But many full-time students work anywhere from 15 to 20 hours a week during the school year. Working extra hours during the summer can also go a long way toward helping you make ends meet throughout the rest of the year.
One of the perks of part-time enrollment is that even though you'll earn fewer credits each semester, you'll also have fewer classes to keep up with. That's why the part-time college path tends to be particularly popular among students who need to earn a steady or higher income while pursuing their degree.
Tuition costs and financial aid
It's also worth considering how tuition costs are calculated for full-time vs. part-time students. While part-time students usually pay per credit, many schools will cap the annual tuition rate for full-time students.
In plain English, this means that you may end up paying the same rate whether you take 12 credits or 18 during a term. If you're planning to pursue full-time enrollment, it's worth looking into whether or not this is a perk your college offers. This tuition discount is kind of like a buy four, get one (or two) free deal for credit hours.
There are also certain considerations to keep in mind If you plan to submit a free application for federal student aid (FAFSA) to receive a Pell Grant or other federal grants. If you are approved for federal financial aid of any sort, be aware that you may have to fulfill specific requirements to keep it. The basic eligibility criteria of your school may require you to enroll in a certain number of credits each semester, maintain a certain GPA, or graduate within a specified amount of time.
Eligibility for financial assistance
Many scholarships also come with criteria of their own, so if a school or organization wants to give you free college money, make sure you read the fine print. Some scholarships are only available for full-time students, while others may allow you to dip into part-time status as long as you maintain a certain number of credits.
Federal student loans also come with enrollment status considerations. Some loans will require you to start the repayment process if you drop below half-time enrollment. If you've taken out a federal subsidized loan, keep in mind that your interest rates will only be covered until six months after you drop below minimum part-time enrollment.
Balancing work and school
Worried that the pursuit of higher education might affect your ability to cover basic living expenses? If so, then a work-study program could be a great way to go. Many schools participate in the Federal Work-Study Program, which offers employment opportunities for both part-time and full-time students.
If you're looking to dodge a lifetime of repaying student debt, it's also worth looking into tuition reimbursement or assistance programs. Now offered by several major companies, these programs help cover the tuition costs of employees who qualify by having worked at a company for a certain amount of time.
Lifestyle factors
Your enrollment status can play a large role in shaping your overall college experience, both in and out of class. For instance, some colleges only offer housing for full-time students because they tend to take advantage of more on-campus activities.
Even some extracurricular activities may require you to take a certain number of credits each semester. Student-athletes, for instance, often have to meet certain course load and grade requirements to be able to participate in games.
Financial needs and family obligations
In some cases, full-time enrollment isn't realistic for parents or students who have other family obligations. That's why part-time status tends to be particularly popular among nontraditional students or graduate students who may already be familiar with the demands of the "real world."
In these instances, the importance of careful financial planning and budgeting can't be overstated. Not only will you need to consider how you'll meet your living expenses while you're enrolled in school but also how you'll handle any repayment costs that may come up after you graduate.
If you're planning on taking out a federal loan, you'll find a number of handy tools that can help. Check out the federal student loan simulator, which is designed to give you an idea of which loans you're eligible for and what repaying them will look like.
Try College Rover to find the best part-time or full-time degree program
The bottom line is that there's no such thing as the "right" enrollment status. It's simply a matter of choosing which option works best for you after taking several considerations into account. These days, there are more options for enrollment than ever before, including online and hybrid college degrees designed to fit into your schedule.
College Rover is designed to give you all the information you need to compare colleges and find the best programs. No matter what your college journey may look like, College Rover is here to help you take the first step toward a better future.
