<p>I have a child who may need to attend one year of college part time due to health reasons but I will try to get an exemption that allows him to be classified as a full time student for insurance, etc. His doctor is on board and I know this is not uncommon at universities, but since I may have two kids in college at the same time, would FAFSA consider the part-timer as a full time student for purposes of EFC? This is an arcane question that probably can only be answered here if another parent has already gone through this process. If not, then I will pursue the question with financial aid when and if the time comes. Thanks!</p>
<p>I don’t think FAFSA treats a part time student any different to a full time student when calculating the EFC. It will make a difference when calculating the aid package. Federal Student loans require at least half time enrollment. And the Pell is prorated based on enrollment (full amount for full time, then I think it is reduced yo 3/4 time, 1/2 time, less than half time).</p>
<p>Great-thanks swimcatsmom!</p>
<p>I would suggest you contact each school. At my kids’ schools, if the student’s enrollment dropped under the 50% mark, their financial aid WOULD have been affected. In particular, my son’s and daughter’s merit scholarships said specifically that they needed to maintain full time status. In addition, if you are eligible for something like a Pell grant, it will be prorated if your child is attending school part time, I believe.</p>
<p>If part time and full time were considered the same…then a sibling could enroll in ONE course and be considered in college working toward a degree…I do not believe that is the case…but I could be wrong. I know it was the case for my kids’ schools…students needed to have full time status which was 12 credits or more.</p>
<p>You may want to keep in mind that the IRS will still adhere to the rule that he has to be a full time student if he is between 19 and 24 and makes more than $3650. May not be a problem, but important to keep in mind.</p>