A number of loan contracts and details differ based on the enrollment status of the student. Unfortunately, each college and educational institution may define the terms of enrollment differently. In most cases, enrollment must be at least half-time to qualify for financial aid at all.

When looking at graduate schools, you may be wondering how many credit hours are needed to be considered a full-time student, versus a half-time student. Here are some guidelines based on information gathered from a few types of schools:

Semester-based school with mostly 3 credit hour courses: Most institutions are using 9 credit hours as full-time and 6 credit hours for half-time.

Semester-based school with mostly 4 credit hour courses: Institutions use 8 credits as full-time with 4 credit hours for half-time.

Quarter schools: These institutions indicated using 6 credits for full-time with anywhere from 3-5 credit hours as half-time.

Guys, I’m sure most of you are well aware of the option to register for Selective Service (yup, the draft) once you turn 18, but did you know that it could have severe financial repercussions if you don’t? Unfortunately, many students either do not sign up on purpose or simply forget to, however this can affect how much money you get for school!

There is a federal rule that states that “Any man required to register with Selective Service at any time must have done so to receive aid.” If you’re 25 or younger, make sure to register because after this age, it is impossible to register and you will be unable to receive federal aid from that point forward (or at least until the law changes).

You’ll have to prove that your lack of registration was not knowing and willful. This means providing as much information as possible as to why you did not register. For example, if you were living abroad at the time, this would be a legitimate reason why you may have forgotten to register. In order to go through with this process, you should contact your financial aid office.

If you are still unable to get federal aid for school, private student loans can be another good way pay for school.

For more information on these Selective Service rules, read this publication from the Department of Education.

A number of loan contracts and details differ based on the enrollment status of the student. Unfortunately, each college and educational institution may define the terms of enrollment differently. In most cases, enrollment must be at least half-time to qualify for financial aid at all.

When looking at graduate schools, you may be wondering how many credit hours are needed to be considered a full-time student, versus a half-time student. Here are some guidelines based on information gathered from a few types of schools:

Semester-based school with mostly 3 credit hour courses: Most institutions are using 9 credit hours as full-time and 6 credit hours for half-time.

Semester-based school with mostly 4 credit hour courses: Institutions use 8 credits as full-time with 4 credit hours for half-time.

Quarter schools: These institutions indicated using 6 credits for full-time with anywhere from 3-5 credit hours as half-time.

The majority of college bound students have trouble with college tuition. You might feel that you can't afford college tuition, but there are always ways around it. With the variety of college funding options and help available today, you will be sure to find something that can help you go to college.

Both adults who want to change careers and undergraduates can find help. The most common way for students to afford college is through federal funding. There are loans and grants available through the U.S government. You must fill out a FAFSA form first. You can get that form online or at your schools financial aid office.

For instance, the Stafford loan is the most common federal loan for students and one of the easiest for students to qualify for. The loans one can receive depend on certain factors like one's school accomplishments. There is also the Perkins loan, which is based on financial need. It is usually awarded based on first-come and first-serve basis as the funds given to the school from the government are limited. Loans are also available for parents who want to pay for their child's education. Government loans are not the only type of loans you can get. You can also apply for private loans through your local credit union or bank.

Another option to financial college is through scholarships. Scholarships are based on different types of qualifications. Some could be academically based, while others can be based upon race, gender, or the type of program you are looking to enter into. Others are given based on essays and letters of recommendation. There are many varieties of scholarships, so it's important to read the requirements and apply exactly the way they tell you to. Deadlines are always very strict. So if you miss the deadline you will not be considered.

Many colleges and universities provide jobs on campus for students looking to get help with tuition. If you are a part time student who is employed, your employer may offer you a tuition reimbursement if you are studying a field that relates to your current career.

As you can see there are many different ways to get around the issue of college tuition. Not being able to afford college is not an excuse these days. Search, research, and ask questions. To learn more you will have to meet with a financial aid counselor at the school you will be attending.

Figuring out ways to pay for college is not easy. Our website is dedicated to answering your financial aid questions.