Full-time status

To be considered full-time, students must be enrolled in at least 3.5 units of coursework during the semester. When considering dropping or withdrawing from a course or otherwise carrying a part-time course load, students should be aware of the potential adverse effects on financial aid, health insurance, NCAA athletic eligibility, and visa status.

Students who begin the semester on part-time status or who fall to part-time status during the first month of the semester by dropping or withdrawing from a course will be certified as part-time students for New York state financial aid purposes and other private scholarships that require full-time certification and repayment of student loans. Part-time students will lose their New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and Scholarships.

Note that foreign students, veterans, and athletes who participate in an NCAA sport are affected by a part-time status whenever the status change occurs. A student’s health insurance coverage may also be affected by being part-time.

Students considering dropping below full-time status should consult with the relevant campus offices, as well as with their academic advisor.

For the complete policy, please see the "Registration Changes" section of the most current University Catalog.