A Student's Guide To Full-Time Study At Rowan University

how to be a full timr student at rowan university

To be a full-time student at Rowan University, undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits, with at least 9 credits coming from in-person classes. Graduate students, on the other hand, need a minimum of 9 credits to be considered full-time, with at least 6 credits from in-person classes. For financial aid, the number of credits you take each semester will impact your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional aid programs. Additionally, maintaining proper enrollment levels is crucial for qualifying for most aid programs, with full-time enrollment often being a prerequisite. To graduate on time, it is recommended that students complete 15 degree-applicable credits per semester, which equates to 30 credits per year for a typical 120-credit major. Rowan University also offers Pre-Completion OPT, allowing students to work part-time during their studies after being enrolled for one full academic year.

Characteristics Values
Full-time student status Undergraduate students must have at least 12 credits per semester to be considered full-time. Graduate students must have at least 9 credits per semester to be considered full-time.
Cost implications Registration for 12-17 credits costs the same flat rate. Registering for 18 credits will incur an additional cost.
Recommended credits for graduation It is recommended to complete 15 degree-applicable credits per semester to graduate on time.
Federal aid eligibility Federal aid eligibility is impacted by the number of credits taken. For example, the TAG grant requires full-time enrollment.
International student requirements International students must be enrolled full-time, except under specific circumstances such as the first or last semester, completing thesis work, or a documented medical condition.

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Full-time student credit requirements

To be considered a full-time student at Rowan University, you must be enrolled in a certain number of credits per semester. The specific credit requirements vary for undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Students

Federal regulations require undergraduate students to take at least 12 credits to be considered full-time. Of those 12 credits, at least 9 credits must be from in-person classes. Only one online course will count toward full-time enrollment for undergraduate students. It is recommended that undergraduate students complete 15 degree-applicable credits per semester to graduate on time.

Graduate Students

Graduate students must have at least 9 credits to be considered full-time. Of those 9 credits, at least 6 credits must be from in-person classes. Similar to undergraduate students, only one online course will count toward full-time enrollment for graduate students.

International Students

International students must also be enrolled as full-time students, except under specific circumstances. These circumstances include being an undergraduate or graduate student in your first or last semester, a graduate student completing thesis work, or having a documented medical condition that prevents you from taking a full course load.

Financial Aid Considerations

The number of credits you take each semester directly impacts your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. For example, the Pell Grant will provide a limited amount of aid with less-than-half-time status, while the TAG Grant requires full-time enrollment.

Pre-Completion OPT

International students on an F-1 visa can apply for Pre-Completion OPT if they have been enrolled full-time at Rowan University for one full academic year. During the academic year, students can only work part-time (up to 20 hours per week), but they can work full-time during vacation periods.

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Financial aid eligibility

To be eligible for financial aid as a full-time student at Rowan University, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, understand the “Cost of Attendance”, which is the total amount a student pays without financial aid. This includes tuition, fees, room, board, textbooks, and personal expenses. The cost breakdown differs for in-state and out-of-state students, with in-state students generally paying lower tuition and fees.

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually. Rowan's FAFSA code is 002609, and the application can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or Studentaid.gov. The number of credits you take each semester directly impacts your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. For undergraduate students, 6 credit hours per term is the minimum required for federal financial aid, while graduate-level students need a minimum of 4.5 credit hours per term. Maintaining proper enrollment levels is crucial, and generally, half-time enrollment is required for most federal aid programs.

Rowan University offers four main types of financial aid: grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. The amount of aid awarded varies, and students who qualify for aid at Rowan University tend to receive more than the average award at other public schools. It is recommended that full-time students take an average of 30 credits per year to graduate on time.

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Course registration tips

To be a full-time student at Rowan University, you should aim to complete 15 degree-applicable credits per semester to graduate on time. Registration for 12-17 credits costs the same flat rate, so you can register for 12-17 credits to be considered a full-time student.

Understand the Requirements

Before registering for courses, it is important to understand the requirements for your major and any prerequisites or restrictions for the courses you plan to take. You can discuss any changes to your major or the addition of a minor with an academic advisor to ensure you are on the right track.

Plan Your Courses in Advance

Use the Plan Ahead feature in Self-Service Banner to proactively prepare for course registration. You can also search for classes prior to registration by visiting Section Tally, where you can find the most up-to-date course information each term.

Know the Registration Dates and Deadlines

Keep yourself informed about registration-related dates and deadlines, including drop/add periods and withdrawal dates. Registration dates are posted on the Registrar's website each term, and you can also find instructions on registering, forms, and other relevant information.

Prepare a List of CRNs

Have a list of Course Registration Numbers (CRNs) and alternate choices ready for registration. These numbers can be found in the Section Tally, which provides the most up-to-date course information.

Connect with Your Advisor

It is recommended to meet with your academic advisor every semester to ensure you are on track with your degree requirements. If you encounter any registration issues or are unable to register for a needed course, be sure to connect with your advisor for guidance.

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Changing your major

If you are considering a change of major, you can contact the University Advising Center by phone or email. For email requests, you must use your official Rowan email account and clearly state your requested major/minor/concentration. You must also include all current majors, minors, and concentrations that you wish to retain, as well as your name, Banner ID, and phone number. The University Advising Center will then submit the completed change request, and the change will be reflected on your record within a few hours.

It is important to keep in mind that changing your major may affect your eligibility for financial aid programs. The number of credits you take each semester can impact the types and amounts of financial aid for which you qualify. Additionally, certain majors may require a specific number of credits to graduate on time. For example, full-time students at Rowan University should aim to complete 30 credits per year, which translates to an average of 15 credits per semester.

If you are considering taking more than 18 credits in a semester, be prepared for additional costs. Furthermore, attempting to take 19 or more credits will require permission from the Dean's office and will incur additional per-credit charges. To search for classes prior to registration, you can visit Section Tally and refer to the Registrar's Quick Reference Guide or video tutorials.

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On-campus jobs

Rowan University offers a variety of on-campus job opportunities for students to gain practical skills and professional experience. These positions are typically secured through the Profs Jobs system during the first few months of the fall semester.

One such opportunity is the Admissions Ambassador role. Admissions Ambassadors are campus leaders who connect with prospective students and their families, give campus tours, work in the admissions office, and represent Rowan University at open houses and receptions for incoming students. This compensated position offers an hourly wage, and applications are accepted until August with rolling reviews. All undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of their year or major, are eligible to apply.

Another option is Federal Work-Study positions, which are available to students receiving financial aid who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). These roles are specific to each Rowan University office and off-campus employer and offer a diverse range of responsibilities.

Additionally, the College of Humanities & Social Sciences (CHSS) provides on-campus jobs specifically for CHSS majors. Students can strengthen their career competencies by getting involved in these opportunities and can seek guidance from the Center for Professional Success to refine their application materials before applying.

With four campuses and flexible work hours, Rowan University's on-campus jobs allow students to balance their studies while earning an income. These positions offer a convenient way to gain valuable experience and build professional skills during their time at the university.

Frequently asked questions

Undergraduate students need at least 12 credits, with a minimum of 9 credits from in-person classes, to be considered full-time. Graduate students need at least 9 credits, with a minimum of 6 credits from in-person classes, to be considered full-time.

It is recommended that students complete 15 degree-applicable credits per semester to graduate on time. Students must take an average of 30 credits per year to graduate on time from a 120-credit major.

Your enrollment status can impact your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs. For example, the TAG grant requires full-time enrollment, while the Pell grant provides a limited amount of funding for less-than-half-time status.

Yes, there are exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement for international students. Undergraduate or graduate students in their first or last semester, graduate students completing thesis work, or students with a documented medical condition that prevents them from taking a full course load may be exempt. Reduced course load forms are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

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