Are you considering heading back to college? If so, you might be torn between going back to school on a part time basis versus going back to school on a full time basis. The reality is that there are pros and cons associated with both paths of study. Therefore, it is important for you to examine your lifestyle, your personal needs, your educational learning style and your future goals when determining which method is best for you. By exploring the following pros and cons more closely, you can begin getting a better idea of whether you should become a part time student or a full time student.

Benefit of Full Time Study: Earning Your Degree Faster

One of the greatest benefits of attending school full time is the fact that it puts you in the position to earn your college degree more quickly than you can earn it as a part time student. By earning your degree faster, you can get started in your new career earlier and start making money. In addition, you can begin gaining valuable experience, which will add to your job security and increase your chances of getting promoted sooner.

Con: Although full time study can help you earn your degree faster, it might also lead you to burnout and frustration. As a result, you may drop out of school before you complete your degree. Therefore, you should avoid taking on too many classes at one time.

Benefit of Part Time Study: More Schedule Flexibility

One of the benefits to attending school part time is the fact that it is easier to fit into your schedule. If you are trying to juggle a job or taking care of a family while attending school, attending class on a part time basis may be the only way for you to fit your studies into your hectic schedule. In addition, since you are taking classes on a part time basis, it may allow you more flexibility when it comes to the classes you take each semester, which means you might be able to select classes that are offered at the times that best suit your needs.

Con: Although there is theoretically more flexibility when carrying a part-time load, some colleges will give scheduling preferences to their full time students, so be certain to check into this possibility when you enroll.

Benefit of Full Time Study: Getting Financial Assistance May Be Easier

Depending upon your situation, you may find it easier to obtain financial assistance if you attend school on a full time basis. Some scholarships and grants are only provided to full time students, so attending school on a part time basis may prevent you from being eligible for potential assistance.

Con: While attending school full time might help you obtain more financial assistance, it will also make it more difficult for you to have a job. Obviously, this can cut into your overall income. Therefore, you should look into your financial aid options closely in order to determine whether or not attending school part time will cause a significant financial burden.

Benefit of Part Time Study: It Allows You to “Take it Slow”

If you are an adult who is heading back to school, the thought of attending classes again may be a bit overwhelming or even frightening. By enrolling in a part time program, you can slowly get yourself back into the groove before taking on more classes. If you find that you can handle your part time load and could probably manage a few more classes, you can always change to full time status later.

Con: Degree program requirements change on a fairly regular basis. Find out if your part time status will allow you to be grandfathered into the current degree program requirements or if you will need to meet different requirements if they are changed before you decide to change your status to full time.