In this article, we’ll share some key differences between full-time vs part-time students that will help you to choose the right program. Continue reading to get valuable insights from this guide.
In higher education, students are offered a wide range of academic program options. Each is designed to cater to different commitments, goals, and schedules. The two most important tracks are full-time and part-time programs.
Both programs offer various pluses and minuses, which shape the students’ study experience and facilitate them in their professional lives. Therefore, choosing the right program is a big decision. If you’re confused about picking the right degree program, then don’t worry. Here, we’ll share the 9 key differences between full-time and part-time programs that turn your decision-making into an easy feat.
Let’s get started.
What are the Key Differences Between Part-time vs Full-time Students?
Depending on the major subjects and institutions, there are numerous similarities and differences between part-time and full-time degree programs. Understanding these factors can help you determine the right educational path. According to the National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES), 19.6 million students attended college this year in the US, of which 7.7 million were part-time students.
Before moving on to these factors, let’s first read about the key takeaways.
Major Findings:
- The duration of the full-time degree program completion is shorter than compared to the part-time program.
- Full-time students get more financial aid and scholarship opportunities, which makes their education journey a cool breeze.
- For students who prefer to maintain a work-life balance, the part-time enrolment option is the best fit for them.
- Part-time students can continue their jobs with education and need low tuition fees, whereas full-time students need higher upfront costs.
1. Duration
Full-time students must complete 15 credit hours per semester to complete their graduation degree in four years, which means they have to take five classes per semester. Additionally, out-of-class academic tasks such as exam preparation or college assignment writing add study time for full-time students. They often have to devote hours, even on weekends, to these tasks.
On the other hand, part-time students attend just only 3 lectures per week. At this rate, a part-time degree takes longer time to complete; however, part-time students have more time for family obligations or to do any work. Generally, a part-time bachelor’s degree takes 6-10 years to complete.
2. Financial Aid
Your enrolment status – whether it is full-time or part-time – influences your eligibility criteria for financial aid or scholarships. The eligibility criteria for these financial assistance programs are based on the maximum number of credit hours taken by students. Nonetheless, the minimum criteria for this aid are a minimum of six credit hours per term.
According to the College Board, in 2023, full-time students received an average financial aid of $14,940, while part-time students received grants of $27,310. In addition, full-time students have more scholarship opportunities than part-time students.
3. Tuition Cost
When you compare the perks of being full-time vs part-time students, you will get to know that a part-time program is cost-effective. Part-time students usually pay based on per credit. According to the Education Data Initiative, part-time students have to pay an average of $312 per credit. Moreover, attending university part-time offers more flexibility to students to work and lessen their financial burden.
Conversely, full-time students have to pay fees on a semester basis, which eventually leads them to pay higher upfront costs. However, many universities offer 13-16 credit hour flat rate fees, which make this degree program affordable for full-time students.
4. Course Load
Full-time students take more courses than part-time students. With this increasing course load, they need exceptional organisational and time-management skills to succeed. However, a higher academic course load empowers students to complete degree programs more quickly as they learn minor courses simultaneously with major subjects.
A part-time degree program is best suited for those students who only want to focus on fewer subjects at a time. This lower course load enables them to focus on the other areas of their lives. All in all, part-time students maintain a work-life balance without any academic pressure.
5. Internship Opportunity
Comparing full-time vs. part-time students reveals that part-time students have more opportunities to do internships. Needless to say, they have more time outside the class, so they can do an internship during the semester. Part-time students can enroll in any internship program at any time to get practical experience of what they have learned in the classroom.
Most of the internships are full-time, and students have to work the whole day to complete the assigned tasks and learn organisational norms. Therefore, full-time students have to wait for semester breaks or summer holidays to complete any internship program.
6. Employment
Most students start working during college to meet their study expenses. If you want to work during college, then a part-time degree program is best for you. This degree program offers a more flexible schedule to part-time students and allows them to continue a job while pursuing their education to meet their living expenses.
On the contrary, if you are a full-time student, you must have a flexible job schedule because your study schedule is fixed. You can work a part-time job in the evening, during semester breaks, or during winter holidays while pursuing a full-time degree program.
7. Work-life Balance
Part-time students have more flexibility to tailor their schedules, which offers them extra time to perform their personal duties. If you are the prime caregiver of your family, then the part-time degree option best fits you and offers a better balance in your work life. This balance ultimately lessens the stress and burnout in your life.
On the other hand, a full-time student has to complete 12-15 credit hours per term, so he has little time for personal responsibilities. The demanding nature of this program creates challenges for students to achieve a balance in their educational and personal lives and eventually leads them to higher stress levels.
8. Graduation Rates
One key consideration when comparing the advantages of being a full-time vs. part-time student is the graduation rate. Full-time students often enjoy a higher graduation rate than part-time students because they focus on completing credit hours while putting other responsibilities aside.
Part-time students generally have a busy work schedule which makes it hard for them to earn a degree. Furthermore, a long degree-completion program often creates interruptions in completing the degree successfully. They need proper planning and effective time management to complete this degree on time.
9. Extracurricular Activities
Full-time students spend more time on campus, so they grab more opportunities to be involved in activities other than studying. Further, they can maintain an active social life with full freedom of responsibilities. They can also join the groups or student parties that they want to join and can actively participate in campaigns.
On the contrary, part-time students spend only a little time in college as they have other commitments. However, they can be involved in some athletic competitions or pursue their hobbies, but it is difficult for them to actively participate in social activities as full-time students do.
Is it Better to Study Part-time or Full-time?
Getting admission to a part-time or full-time degree program is an individual choice; there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Nonetheless, when you pick the enrollment program, take into account factors such as your preferences, budget, schedule, and other commitments.
One of the prime considerations is your budget. Part-time degree programs are affordable, as students can continue their jobs with their degrees and earn money to meet their expenses. On the other hand, a full-time degree offers the opportunity to complete the degree quickly, but it requires a higher upfront cost. Thus, choose the program whose fee structure suits you.
Regardless of the degree program you opt for, you always need some assistance in completing your academic tasks. For that reason, top assignment writing companies can assist you during your academic journey.
Conclusion
Choosing between full-time and part-time college enrolment is not a one-size-fits-all decision; it depends on your personal circumstances, career goals, and learning style. Full-time degrees allow you to immerse yourself in the academic environment, enjoy campus activities, and graduate on schedule.
On the other hand, part-time degrees offer flexibility, enabling you to balance your studies with professional or personal commitments. Weighing the pros and cons of each path based on your priorities will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your academic and career aspirations. The key is to select the option that best supports your journey to success.