Financial Aid for Part-Time Students: Key Considerations
Students may choose part-time enrollment for many reasons, including family responsibilities, health considerations, or other full-time commitments. When enrollment changes, financial aid may change as well, depending on the type of funding awarded and the school’s policies..
Part-time status may affect aid in several ways, including award amounts, eligibility thresholds, and when repayment begins. The sections below outline common considerations for federal grants, scholarships, and federal student loans.
Federal Grants
Federal grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid, although a student may have to repay part or all of a grant in certain circumstances. For example, repayment may be required if a student withdraws from school early. Federal grants, such as the Pell Grant, are based on financial need and award amounts are dependent upon several factors including enrollment status.1
Scholarships
Scholarship eligibility requirements vary by scholarship. Students should review each scholarship’s requirements before applying. A college’s financial aid office may offer scholarships specific to that college.
Federal Student Loans
Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans require students to be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible. Schools determine which loan types students qualify for and how much they can borrow based on financial need, cost of attendance, and any other financial aid received. These loans also have borrowing limits that depend on factors such as year in school and dependency status. 2
Loan Interest
Interest is a major difference between Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Direct Subsidized Loans do not charge interest while a student is enrolled at least half-time in school or during the six-month grace period. Direct Unsubsidized Loans begin accumulating interest from the date of the first loan disbursement. 2
Repayment Timing and Enrollment Changes
For most federal student loans, repayment begins six months after a student graduates, leaves school, or drops below half-time enrollment. Most federal loans have a grace period, and for most loans, interest continues to grow during that grace period. 3
Coordinating with Your School and Program
Because policies and timelines vary by institution and individual situation, a financial aid office can explain how part-time enrollment affects current awards, future eligibility, and repayment timing.
Explore online degree programs to find an option that fits your schedule, and talk with the school about how part-time enrollment could affect your financial aid eligibility and timeline.
1 U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid. “Federal Pell Grant.” https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
2 U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid. “Top 4 Questions: Direct Subsidized Loans vs. Direct Unsubsidized Loans.” https://studentaid.gov/articles/subsidized-vs-unsubsidized-loans/
3 U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid. “Repayment Plans.” https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/plans
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2233522 06/2026