Student Time Status
Student Time Status refers to the classification of students based on the number of credit hours they are enrolled in during a given semester or academic term. It helps to categorize students into full-time or part-time status, which is important for academic planning and standing, financial aid eligibility, and institutional reporting. The classification also assists in determining the level of student engagement and the support services needed to ensure student success.
Time status is determined on the census date of each academic term, and any changes to a student’s enrollment after this date may affect their status.
F-1 and J-1 international students have specific requirements for full-time enrollment, which is based on the student's nonimmigrant status in the U.S. International students who have questions about taking a reduced course load or taking classes online should seek advice directly from the Office of Global Services.
Course Load
Federal financial aid recipients must be enrolled in and successfully complete a minimum number of credits each semester to maintain eligibility. For more information, contact your financial aid counselor.
Time Status Categories
The following table outlines the time status classifications based on the number of credit hours a student is enrolled in during an academic term. The credit hours are listed to the tenth decimal for more precise classification:
Undergraduate Semester Hours
| Time Status Classification | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Full time | 12.00 or greater |
| Three-quarter time | 9.00 - 11.99 |
| Half-time | 6.00 - 8.99 |
| Less than half-time | 0.00 - 5.99 |
Graduate Semester Hours
| Time Status Classification | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Full time 1,2 | 8.00 or greater |
| Three-quarter time | 6.00 - 7.99 |
| Half-time | 4.00 - 5.99 |
| Less than half-time | 0.00 - 3.99 |
- 1
Students who hold stipended graduate assistantships will be considered full time if enrolled for a minimum of 6 semester hours of credit.
- 2
Students enrolled in Dissertation or Dissertation Continuation are considered full time.
College of Professional Studies Undergraduate Semester Hours
| Time Status Classification | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Full time | 12.00 or greater |
| Three-quarter time | 9.00 - 11.99 |
| Half-time | 6.00 - 8.99 |
| Less than half-time | 0.00 - 5.99 |
College of Professional Studies Graduate Quarter Hours
| Time Status Classification | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Full time | 8.00 or greater |
| Three-quarter time | 6.00 - 7.99 |
| Half-time | 4.00 - 5.99 |
| Less than half-time | 0.00 - 3.99 |
Law Semester Hours
| Time Status Classification | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Full time | 11.00 or greater |
| Three-quarter time | 8.50 - 10.99 |
| Half-time | 6.00 - 8.49 |
| Less than half-time | 0.00 - 5.99 |
Program-Specific Exceptions
Certain academic programs may define full-time enrollment differently due to their unique structure, accreditation requirements, or delivery format. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Cohort-based or accelerated programs
- Professional or clinical programs with non-credit-bearing components (e.g., clinical placements)
- Thesis or dissertation research stages
- Summer term enrollment in structured year-round programs
Students enrolled in these programs may be considered full time based on program-specific criteria, which may differ from the standard credit-hour minimums.
Program-specific definitions of full-time status are published in the program requirements and plan of study sections of academic programs in this catalog.
Students should consult their academic advisors and program's plan of study for guidance.