Financial Aid For Part-Time Students in 2025

Whether you're returning to school while juggling a full-time job or a recent high school graduate who's unsure about pursuing a degree, going to college part-time may be a great option. While part-time enrollment costs are generally lower, the price of a degree can still be a financial barrier. You may be wondering if there's financial aid for part-time students.

Read on to learn more about federal aid and how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be used to determine financial assistance eligibility for part-time students. We'll discuss the application process for FAFSA for part-time students.

Does FAFSA Cover Part-Time Students?

It may be possible to find financial aid for part-time students through the FAFSA. This amount is determined by how many credits a student is taking per semester, with most aid options requiring students to be enrolled at least half-time.

According to the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid, a half-time student is anyone taking half of the typical full-time course load � typically six credit hours. This requirement may vary by institution, so it's best to consult with a school's financial aid office to get specific details about FAFSA for part-time students.

Part-time students can expect to receive aid proportional to their course load. For example, if a student is taking half of the typical course load for the academic year, they'll receive 50% of the aid they would if they were full-time. Pell Grant funds are also reduced proportionally.

Similarly, enrollment status may affect how much money a student receives from work-study programs. Part-time students may also be limited in how many hours they can work.

How Much Does FAFSA Give for Part-Time Students?

FAFSA awards students aid proportionate to the amount of credits they are taking. Generally, college students must be enrolled in at least six credit hours' worth of courses to qualify for aid. By contrast, full-time students are enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. FAFSA considers the following:

• Cost of the Program: The first consideration is the student's cost of attendance (COA). Awards will not exceed the COA.
• Student Aid Index (SAI): An SAI is a number that determines how much need-based aid a student may require. The number is determined by tax information from the IRS.
• Financial Aid Received: If a student has already received aid from scholarships or other programs, this will help determine the non-need-based aid they can receive.

The federal Pell Grant amounts follow a specific formula largely influenced by a student's enrollment intensity. A student's award will be reduced by how many credit hours they are taking below full-time.

While taking fewer credits does not entirely disqualify a student from receiving federal student loans, it may impact which programs they can apply for. Regardless, the amount of aid students receive will be based on how many credits they are taking.

Financial Aid for Part-Time Students

Part-time students attending online colleges that accept FAFSA have numerous options for aid. From scholarships and grants to student loans, part-time status doesn't have to prevent a student from securing financial assistance.

Part-Time Student Scholarships

Part-time students looking for scholarships can turn to various websites to find scholarship opportunities or contact the financial aid office of the institution they want to attend. Luckily, there are countless scholarships out there that are open to part-time graduate and undergraduate students. A great place to start is the Department of Labor's scholarship search tool. Other places to search include:

• employer or parents' employers
• high school or TRIO counselors
• federal or state agencies
• community organizations

As you search, consider looking for opportunities that cater specifically to students like you. Many part-time students are single parents, adults returning to school after many years, people looking for online colleges, and disabled people. As you apply, highlight your academic history and life experiences that set you apart from other potential applicants.

Grants for Part-Time Students

In addition to scholarships, part-time students can search for grant opportunities. Both the federal and state governments offer grants that generally don't have to be repaid. Federal grant options include:

• Pell Grants: This grant is available to undergraduate students with high financial needs. The value of the Pell Grant for part-time students will be reduced by their enrollment intensity.
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Similar to the Pell Grant, this option is available to those with exceptional needs, though the award limit for this grant is lower.
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH): This grant is reserved for students in teaching programs. This option is not exclusive to undergraduates, as it also offers financial aid for part-time graduate students.

Students may also be able to find grants offered by entities other than the government. Some private corporations and foundations offer grants to part-time students, so it's best to conduct thorough research to identify every possibility.

Student Loans for Part-Time Students

If scholarships and grants don't come through or don't cover the cost of tuition, part-time students can always apply for loans. Unlike scholarships and grants, students will have to repay their loans. Eligible students can turn to private lenders, their state government, or the federal government for the assistance they need.

Federal student loans, in particular, come in two options: direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Subsidized loans are reserved for undergraduate students in financial need, � and they generally come with better terms. Unsubsidized loans don't have as strict eligibility requirements and are available to undergrad and graduate students regardless of their financial needs, though they may have higher interest rates.

Part-time students must keep in mind that their enrollment status will affect their borrowing limits and repayment plans. Some loans require students to be enrolled at least part-time; others may require repayment to begin if they drop from a full-time enrollment status. It's important to read all the terms of the loan before accepting funds.

FAQs About Financial Aid for Part-Time Students

Deciding to pursue your degree part-time can raise some questions. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions from people considering part-time enrollment.

Is FAFSA Income-Based?

Yes, FAFSA is based on an applicant's or their family's income. When you apply for aid through FAFSA, you must provide proof of your income and your parent's income. This information will determine your SAI, which then informs how much aid you can receive.

How Many Credits Are Considered Part-Time?

Any student taking less than 12 credits is generally considered part-time. This may vary by college and degree program, with some requiring slightly fewer.

It's important to remember that some grants, scholarships, and loans may have their own credit requirements for students. Even if the program considers you full-time, your financial aid provider might not.

What Is Half-Time in College?

Half-time in college is generally considered a six-credit course load. Specifically, half-time is determined by taking half of the credit hours an institution typically considers full-time. This will affect your COA and, subsequently, how much aid you might receive.

What Disqualifies You from Getting College Financial Aid?

Most federal financial aid options are reserved for U.S. citizens, though other factors can affect your FAFSA, grant, and loan aid eligibility. These include:

• certain crimes, like drug offenses
• failure to maintain academic performance
• incomplete or inaccurate information on applications

Enroll in a College Degree Program

Whether you're returning to school after a long break or weighing your options for continuing your education, there are countless options out there for you. Visit Learn.org today to discover what college degree programs are a perfect match for you.