Hey everybody, I'm considering different study paths and one of them includes part-time college. But I'm not clear on what counts as part-time study. What's the least number of hours you can take and still be considered part-time in college? I'm looking for a work-school-life balance.
Typically, colleges and universities consider students taking 12 or more credit hours in a semester to be full-time students. Anything less than 12 credit hours is considered part-time. However, the number of hours for part-time status can vary by institution. The specific range often falls between 6 to 11 credit hours, but it's best to verify this element with the particular school you're interested in as policies may vary.
So, if you are hoping to balance work, school, and life, a part-time approach may be more suitable for you. For context, a three credit course often equates to about three hours of class time per week, plus likely required study time outside of class. Hence, taking around 6-9 credits would mean you would spend about 18-27 hours on school-related activities each week.
Lastly, it's important to consider the impacts of part-time status on financial aid eligibility, as some scholarships or aid packages may require full-time enrollment. Always consult with your school's financial aid office for this kind of information.
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