Half-time enrollment in college

Hey everyone! For various reasons, I'm considering enrolling half-time when I go to college. What are the implications of this, like financial aid eligibility or graduation timeline?

Hey there! It's a good question and a common one for students considering a non-traditional schedule.

Regarding your graduation timeline, attending college half-time will generally mean it takes longer to finish your degree. Full-time students typically take 12-15 credit hours per semester, whereas half-time students generally take around 6 credit hours per semester, so it could potentially take about twice as long to graduate.

As for financial aid, eligibility can be impacted by a part-time status. For example, Federal Pell Grants and certain scholarships might require you to be enrolled full-time. However, you can still qualify for federal student loans on a half-time basis. The exact rules will depend on the specific aid program, so it's essential to research your specific aid package or scholarship terms to see their rules about part- and full-time enrollment.

You might also find that some services or amenities at your college might not be available to you as a part-time student, such as access to certain facilities or participation in extracurricular activities.

Just remember, each college may have a different definition of what constitutes "full-time" and "part-time," so always refer to your school's policy to ensure you're making the most informed decision for your situation.