Balancing Part-Time Studies At University: Is It Possible?

Deciding whether to be a part-time or full-time student is a big decision that can significantly impact your college experience. There are several factors to consider when choosing between the two, including time commitments, tuition costs, financial aid opportunities, and personal and family responsibilities.

Full-time students are generally required to take a minimum number of credits or classes per semester, usually between 9-12 credits, which is considered full-time by the US Department of Education. Part-time students, on the other hand, take fewer classes and credits, typically 11 or fewer credits per semester. This decision affects the time it takes to complete a degree, with full-time students often graduating faster and part-time students having more flexibility in their schedules.

Additionally, enrollment status can impact tuition costs, financial aid eligibility, and even housing options. Full-time students often pay a capped tuition fee per semester, while part-time students pay per credit, which can result in varying total costs over time.

Ultimately, the choice between part-time and full-time enrollment depends on the individual's needs, preferences, and circumstances.

Pros and cons of being a part-time student

Yes, you can be a part-time student at a university. Part-time students are those who enrol in their post-secondary or graduate studies on a basis of less than full-time. Typically, part-time students take 11 or 12 or fewer credit hours per semester—the equivalent of four classes.

Pros of being a part-time student:

• Flexible schedule: Enrolling as a part-time student may afford you a certain level of flexibility in your scheduling as you pursue your education. With a flexible schedule, you might be able to continue working in a professional role or maintain other responsibilities.
• Lower tuition costs per semester: Part-time students typically pay less upfront than full-time students because they enrol in fewer classes per semester. Enrolling as a part-time student can allow you to pay incrementally for your education and spread out any related costs over a longer duration.
• Ability to work: Part-time students typically have schedules that are flexible enough to allow them time to take part in additional opportunities, such as part-time jobs, internships and fellowships. Through these opportunities, part-time students can earn money and gain a solid foundation of experience in the career field they hope to pursue post-graduation.
• Adaptability and time management: Part-time students often develop effective time management skills and adapt easily to their careers post-graduation because they frequently navigate various outside responsibilities while pursuing their studies.

Cons of being a part-time student:

• Financial aid eligibility: It's common for colleges and universities to restrict part-time students' access to financial aid resources like scholarships, grants and loans. Often, only full-time students are eligible for these resources as the amount of aid a student receives correlates to the cost of their attendance, which is lower for part-time students.
• Fewer social opportunities: Since part-time students rarely live on campus and commute to attend their classes, they may not engage as frequently in social opportunities with their peers.
• Program availability: Not all programs of study are available on a part-time basis, and this may limit your educational options upon enrolment.
• Length of studies: Part-time students take fewer classes per semester than full-time students, which can prolong the length of their studies significantly. For instance, part-time students pursuing a degree that typically takes four years to earn may spend an additional two to three years in school.
• Fewer resources: Part-time students have access to fewer resources than full-time students. For example, while there are scholarships available for part-time students and adults returning to college, many awards are dedicated to full-time students.

Credit hours and classes

Credit Hours

The number of credit hours taken during a term is the main differentiator between part-time and full-time students. Undergraduate students are generally considered full-time when enrolled in 12 or more credits during a term, while part-time students take fewer than 12 credits. However, this varies by institution, so it's important to check your school's specific requirements. Graduate students may also have different thresholds, with full-time status sometimes requiring as few as nine credits.

Classes

The number of classes a student takes is closely related to the number of credit hours. Most classes are worth three credits, so full-time undergraduate students usually take at least four classes per semester, while part-time students typically take three or fewer. Graduate students enrolled full-time usually take at least three classes, while part-time graduate students may enrol in one or two.

Impact on Cost and Financial Aid

The difference in credit hours and classes between part-time and full-time students has significant implications for the cost of tuition and financial aid. Part-time students often pay per credit hour, spreading out the cost of their education over a longer period. In contrast, full-time tuition is often capped once a student reaches the credit threshold, so they may pay the same tuition for anywhere between 12 to 18 credits in a term.

Part-time students may have limited access to certain financial aid options, scholarships, and grants. For example, some scholarships require full-time enrolment, and grants like the Pell Grant are awarded proportionally based on the number of credit hours a student takes. Federal student aid may also require students to be enrolled at least half-time (typically six or more credits) to qualify.

Time to Graduation

The number of credit hours and classes taken also impacts the time it takes to graduate. Full-time students generally complete their degrees faster, while part-time students may take significantly longer, especially if they are only taking a few classes per term.

Flexibility

Part-time student status offers more flexibility in scheduling, allowing students to balance their education with work and family commitments. This flexibility can be especially important for adult learners returning to school or those with job obligations.

Course Availability

Course availability is another factor to consider. Full-time students may have a wider variety of class options, while part-time students with schedule constraints might not be able to get the courses they need when they need them.

In summary, the decision between part-time and full-time enrolment involves a trade-off between flexibility and time to graduation, with part-time students enjoying more schedule flexibility but typically taking longer to complete their degrees due to the lower number of credit hours and classes taken per term.

Financial aid and scholarships

Part-time students are generally eligible for the same types of financial aid as full-time students, but the amount they qualify for may be lower. This is because part-time students are often charged per credit hour, whereas full-time students usually pay a flat rate for a set number of credits.

Federal Aid and the FAFSA

Part-time students are eligible for federal aid, including the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, and should follow the same process as full-time students when applying through the FAFSA. The amount awarded will be lower than for full-time students, but as part-time students are enrolled for more semesters, the total amount of aid should be the same.

Grants and Scholarships

There are limited federal grants available to graduate students, but there are plenty of private foundation grants. Scholarships are also available, and students should apply for as many as possible. Scholarships tend to require proof of merit, an essay, or a personal statement.

Tuition Reimbursement

Another option for part-time students is to seek tuition reimbursement from their employer.

Private Scholarships

Part-time students should also look for private scholarships. For example, bold.org offers a range of scholarships for part-time students, including the "Be Bold" No-Essay Scholarship and the Finance Your Education No-Essay Scholarship.

Time to complete the program

The time it takes to complete a program as a part-time student is one of the key considerations when choosing between full-time and part-time enrolment. While part-time study offers more flexibility, it takes significantly longer to earn a degree.

Full-time students typically take around 15 credits per semester and graduate with a bachelor's degree in four years. This amounts to around five classes per term, plus study time and out-of-class assignments, requiring a large time commitment.

Part-time students, on the other hand, usually take anywhere from one to three classes per week. This allows them to balance their education with work and family obligations but extends the time needed to earn a degree. For example, a bachelor's degree that takes four years to complete as a full-time student may take six to ten years as a part-time student.

The extended timeline for part-time students is due to taking fewer credits per semester, usually fewer than 12 credits, which is the threshold for full-time status. Part-time students may also have to take courses during less convenient times, such as on weekends or in the evenings, which can impact their ability to take advantage of other opportunities like networking, internships, or student services.

Additionally, some schools cap the length of time allowed to complete a degree. For bachelor's degrees, this range is typically between six and ten years, while for master's degrees, it is often between five and seven years.

The decision to enrol as a part-time or full-time student depends on individual circumstances, including time commitments, financial considerations, and personal and family responsibilities. Part-time enrolment may be suitable for those seeking a more flexible schedule, while full-time enrolment offers a faster route to graduation and starting a career.

Personal and family responsibilities

Part-time students typically take fewer courses or credits per semester than their full-time counterparts. This reduced course load provides part-time students with more time to devote to their personal and family responsibilities. For example, a part-time undergraduate student may take 11 or fewer credits per semester, while a full-time student is usually required to take at least 12 credits. This flexibility, however, often comes with a longer path to graduation, as part-time students may need more semesters to complete their degree.

The decision to enrol as a part-time student can be influenced by various factors related to personal and family responsibilities. For instance, individuals with caregiving duties may opt for part-time studies to balance their educational pursuits with their caregiving responsibilities. This could include caring for a family member, partner, or friend with a long-term illness, disability, mental health condition, or addiction. In such cases, part-time enrolment allows students to manage their caregiving duties while still pursuing their academic goals.

Additionally, part-time enrolment can be advantageous for individuals with family commitments, such as parenting responsibilities. Juggling the demands of full-time study and parenting can be challenging. By enrolling part-time, students with children can better manage their time and balance their academic pursuits with their family duties. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for single parents or those with multiple children.

Furthermore, part-time student status can provide an opportunity for individuals to gain practical work experience while studying. This can be particularly relevant for students who need to support their families financially. By working while studying, individuals can not only gain valuable professional skills but also generate income to support themselves and their families. In some cases, employers may even offer tuition assistance, helping to alleviate the financial burden of higher education.

However, it is important to note that part-time enrolment may not be the best option for everyone. Compared to full-time students, part-time students often feel less engaged with their studies and may experience higher attrition rates. Additionally, part-time students may have to take courses during evenings or weekends, which can limit their networking opportunities and access to certain resources. Moreover, part-time enrolment may result in reduced financial aid eligibility and higher overall costs in the long run, depending on the tuition structure of the institution.

Frequently asked questions