The Benefits of Being a Full-Time Student, Even with a Full-Time Job

If you’re thinking about going back to school, one of the first big decisions you’ll make is whether to enroll full time or part time. For many adult learners — juggling work, family, or military service — part-time might seem like the only practical option.

But what if we told you that full-time enrollment is not only doable, but often the better path?

At Bellevue University, we serve thousands of adult learners who manage full-time careers and full-time studies. Thanks to flexible online formats, accelerated course options, and strong student support, being a full-time student today doesn’t mean what it used to.

Let’s break down what full-time really means, why it might be the right fit for you, and how it can actually help you reach your goals faster, without sacrificing everything else in your life.

What Does It Mean to Be a Full-Time Student?

Being a full-time student simply means you're enrolled in a certain number of credit hours during a term. For most schools (including Bellevue University), here’s how it works:

• Undergraduate students are considered full-time if they’re enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester or term. That’s typically three 4-credit-hour courses or four 3-credit-hour courses.

• Graduate students are considered full-time with 6 or more credit hours per term or semester. Bellevue University has 4 terms per year: fall, winter, spring and summer.

Less than that is considered part-time, but part-time doesn't always equal easier. In fact, full-time enrollment can often bring more structure, momentum, and benefits.

For comparison sake, a part-time student simply means:

• An undergraduate student is taking less than 12 hours per semester or term. They could be enrolled in two or three 3-credit courses per term, or up to 11 credits; or, one or two 4-credit courses, up to 11 credits. Certain programs, such as the BS in Education, have a few required courses with 1-2 credits each.
• A graduate student is taking less than 6 hours per semester or term. They could be enrolled in one 3-4 credit hour course at a time, or one 3-credit course plus a 1-2 credit course, etc.

Explore admissions requirements at Bellevue University.

I'm a lifelong learner and really enjoy the classroom setting. Bellevue University allowed me to work full-time, with a family at home, [and] still have that opportunity for evening in-class learning. I did an 18-month, accelerated leadership master's course, where we had the same cohort of students the entire time. The relationships I built during the course were incredible, and we were able to apply our learning instantly into our day-to-day work lives. I use my Master's in Leadership degree every day, and will continue to be an advocate for Bellevue University and lifelong learning!

– Jeff West, MS in Leadership, Bellevue University

However, depending on your program, school, or even course format, what counts as “full-time” can shift a bit. For example:

• Accelerated online programs may run in 4- or 6- or 8-week blocks—with short breaks in between, and two blocks make up a traditional term or semester. That means your credit load might look smaller, but it still counts as full-time based on how fast you're moving. Check with your Student Coach for possible cohort schedules, as they vary.
• Graduate programs sometimes include research projects, capstones, or thesis work that carry full-time weight, even if you're enrolled in fewer classroom hours.

At Bellevue University, we’re all about meeting adult learners where they are, whether that’s logging in from a military base overseas or juggling classes around a 9-to-5 and family obligations. Our offerings range from traditional 15-week semesters to accelerated 8-week online courses, so full-time status adapts to the format you choose. In other words, “full-time” might look a little different if you’re tackling one course in eight weeks versus juggling four courses over 15 weeks, but both count if they meet the credit-hour threshold.

Myth: You Can’t Work Full Time and Study Full Time

Reality: With the right format, you absolutely can.

A traditional college schedule might make full-time study feel out of reach—but Bellevue University isn’t traditional. Our online and accelerated course formats are built specifically for busy adults. Many of our students work full-time while completing a full-time course load.

• Accelerated online courses let you focus on one class at a time in short, intensive terms.
• Flexible schedules mean you can study at night, on weekends, or during your lunch break.
• Self-paced options are available in select programs, so you’re not tied to a rigid class time.

The bottom line? You don’t need to quit your job to go back to school full time. With the right setup, you can keep your job, care for your family, and keep moving toward your degree, all at once.

Why Enrolling Full Time Has Advantages

Now that we’ve defined it, let’s talk about why full-time status is a big deal. Being a full-time student can impact your college experience in important ways, from financial aid to support services and your overall academic engagement.

1. You May Qualify for More Financial Aid

Let’s start with the big one: money. For many students, how much financial aid you qualify for depends heavily on whether you’re enrolled full-time or part-time.

• Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): Full-time students typically qualify for larger federal aid packages, including Pell Grants and subsidized loans. Drop below full-time, and those awards will be reduced proportionate to the amount of tuition and fees charged for the credits you take.
• Scholarships: Many scholarships require you to maintain full-time enrollment to be eligible or to renew the award each year.
• Military Education Benefits: If you’re using VA benefits like the Post-9/11 GI Bill® or Tuition Assistance, full-time status often impacts the amount and timing of your benefit payments.
• Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Some employers only cover tuition for full-time students, so your course load could directly affect your out-of-pocket costs.

If you’re thinking about dropping a class or shifting to part-time, please reach out to Bellevue’s Financial Services team before making the change. They’ll help you understand exactly how it affects your aid now and down the road.

Read more about how to apply for financial aid.

2. You May Graduate Sooner

Enrolling full-time can significantly speed up your time to graduation, and that means getting to your next career milestone faster.

• Career Advancement: The sooner you finish your degree, the sooner you can apply for promotions, transition into new fields, or meet the qualifications for leadership roles. For many working professionals, a degree is the key that unlocks the next level in their career.
• Professional Momentum: Studying full-time helps you maintain a consistent academic rhythm. Rather than stretching out your degree over many years (and potentially losing steam), you stay in learning mode, building knowledge and skills in a steady, forward-moving flow.
• Life Planning: Whether you're coordinating a career change, planning a move, or balancing family goals, graduating on a faster timeline gives you more flexibility to plan the future you want, sooner rather than later.

Not sure if full-time is possible for your life right now? Our Admissions team can help you map out a path that works for your timeline, your goals, and your responsibilities.

3. You’ll Have Access to Student Services and Campus Resources

At Bellevue University, every student has access to a wealth of support, but full-time students often make the most of these resources and student support. Why? Because when you’re fully enrolled, you’re more likely to be deeply involved and to take advantage of what’s available.

Full-time students tend to:

• Use career services early and often — think resume reviews, interview prep, and job search strategies.
• Meet regularly with academic advisors and student coaches to stay on track and troubleshoot challenges.
• Take advantage of tutoring, library services, and tech support to boost their success.
• Connect with military, veteran, and specialized student support services tailored to their unique needs.

Even if your classes are online, being full-time means you’re more plugged in to the Bellevue community and all the tools designed to help you succeed.

My graduate program had an appropriate balance of rigor and flexibility that allowed me to be a full-time graduate student while also staying in my career. Being local to the Bellevue area at the time, I was also able to take advantage of the great facilities on campus, which further enhanced my graduate experience.

– Hayden Thomas, MPA, Veteran, employed by U.S. Dept. of State

4. You Stay More Engaged and Connected

When you’re full-time, you’re all in, and that mindset can make a huge difference in how you experience college. Many full-time students report feeling more connected and engaged with their coursework and peers.

Being full-time helps you:

• Build stronger relationships with professors and classmates, opening doors for mentorship and networking.
• Maintain a steady academic rhythm, so you stay focused and avoid the “stop-and-start” feeling that part-time students sometimes face.
• Develop consistent study habits and routines that are key to mastering tough subjects.
• Be available for exciting opportunities like internships, honors programs, and professional development events, all of which can boost your career prospects.

But What If Being a Full-Time Student Feels Out of Reach?

We get it — life is full. That’s why Bellevue University has built its programs specifically around the needs of busy, working adults. Full-time doesn’t have to mean quitting your job, sacrificing your family time, or putting your life on pause.

In fact, many of our full-time students are:

• Parents raising kids and fitting in coursework during nap time or after bedtime.
• Professionals working 40+ hours a week who study during lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends.
• Active-duty military or veterans balancing service obligations with academic goals.
• Caregivers for family members who need flexibility and support.
• First-generation college students who are navigating it all for the first time with courage and grit.

What do they all have in common? A commitment to reaching their goals — and a university that meets them where they are. At Bellevue, full-time doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all. With flexible online courses, accelerated terms, and support from day one, it’s not just possible to go full-time — it’s doable.

So, is Full-Time College Right for You?

Whether full-time or part-time, your college journey should be built around your goals, your schedule, and your life. Understanding what it means to be a full-time student can help you make smart, confident decisions. At Bellevue University, we’re here to support you every step of the way, with flexible degrees and programs designed for working adults, military learners, and career changers alike. So take a deep breath, map out your plan, and know that whatever path you choose, you don’t have to walk it alone. We've got your back.

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