II. Things to Consider |
A. School Life & the Work World |
| As you make the transition to becoming a student, there are several decisions you will need to make. Of major importance is how work will fit into your new life as a student. Most re-entry adults find that combining work and studies can be a challenge. There are also such questions as where to study, whether to work full or part time while attending classes and how to pay for your education, which need to be answered. |
School - Full, Half or Part Time? |
Enrollment status is defined upon the credit system and academic calendar (semester or quarter.) Full-time = 12 credit hours or more for undergraduate study, 9 credit hours or more for graduate study per term. Half-time = no less than 6 credit hours for undergraduates and no less than 5 credit hours for graduates per term. Part-time = less than 6 or 5 credit hours per term for undergraduates or graduates, respectively. |
The decision whether to attend school as a full, half or part time student depends on many factors. Coupled with this question is the one of employment; whether to work full-time, part-time or at all while attending classes. Few returning adults have the economic freedom to forgo working during their college years. The question then becomes how to combine the quickest way of completing an education with the greatest financial security. Full or half-time enrollment makes sense when the primary and immediate goal in a student's life is to earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, or when the degree is part of a larger life change (career or relocation.) Full to half-time status also makes sense when scholarships, fellowships, grants or assistanceships are available. Part-time status makes sense for adult students who want to warm up their academic skills before enrolling full-time or for those who don't want to relinquish their present lifestyle or job, where the pressure to earn the degree is not as great. For most adult learners part-time enrollment offers the flexibility needed to maintain careers and families while also attending class. The decision to attend class full, half or part-time generally comes down to non-academic factors: jobs, family, money, commuting time, etc. It is important to ask the admission and financial aid officers at each college what their policies are toward part-time students. Financial aid is more limited for part-time students. Course and degree options may be limited as well. If you are uncertain as to the most appropriate way for you to attend college, do some investigation. Inquire about the programs that interest you - they may only be offered to full-time students, or you may be able to build up to full-time enrollment after a period of part-time enrollment. Going to school will change your lifestyle, personally and financially. There are a variety of ways to do it. The more options you consider, the better able you will be to define your needs and meet them. |