Can I be a part-time student at Penn State?

Good day, guys! I'm trying to balance work and school, so wondering if Penn State allows part-time studying? What's the process like and how does it affect things like financial aid and housing? Any advice welcome!

Hello! It's possible to enroll part-time at Penn State. In general, undergraduate students with 11.5 or fewer credits in a semester are considered part-time. However, how the university treats part-time students can vary by campus, so I'd recommend reaching out directly to the admissions office of the campus you're considering. They can provide specific guidance based on your situation.

As for financial aid, do note that part-time enrollment could affect your eligibility. Aid is usually given based on the number of credits you are taking. If you fall below the minimum credit criteria, you might not be eligible, or the aid amount could be reduced. This is equally of concern for any scholarships you might be receiving, especially those that require full-time enrollment.

Regarding housing, typically universities prioritize housing for full-time students, so being part-time might lower the likelihood of getting university housing, although, again, this can vary by campus.

Remember, attending part-time might also affect the time it takes for you to earn your degree, since you'll likely be taking fewer courses each semester. The flexibility of part-time could allow you to balance work and school better, but you'll need to plan carefully to ensure you can meet all of your degree requirements in a reasonable time frame.

In all, be sure to connect directly with the admissions and financial aid offices for specific details and advice for your situation. They can outline the concrete steps you need to take to be admitted as a part-time student and help explain the potential impacts on your finances and housing.