Full-Time Graduate Student—Definition of

The Standing Committee on Graduate Programs, Practices, and Standards recommends that The College's definition of a full-time graduate student be changed from the present twelve (12) semester hours to nine (9) semester hours. In addition, it is recommended that tuition billing for graduate students be based strictly on a per credit hour charge and not a flat tuition rate for full-time students.

Rationale:

1. The majority of graduate schools consider nine semester hours as full-time status. This change in policy will make TCNJ programs consistent with other graduate programs throughout the nation.

2. Changing the full-time load to nine (9) semester hours will enable a greater number of students to meet financial aid eligibility, thus encouraging more students to opt to enroll full-time.

3. Billing students on a per credit basis will not adversely effect existing tuition revenue. Revenue may actually increase as more students elect to attend graduate school full-time because of financial aid benefits.

Recommended by GPPS: 1999