The University determines your enrollment status based on how many credits you take each semester. This information applies whether you are degree-seeking or taking classes as non-degree. Your enrollment can have impacts to your student status, your financial aid, veteran benefits, and other aspects of your academic career.
| Student type | Full-time credits | Part-time credits | Half-time credits | Less than half-time credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 12+ | 9 to 11 | 6 to 8 | 1 to 5 |
| Graduate* | 6+ | 4 to 5 | 3 | 1 to 2 |
| Professional** | 12+ | 9 to 11 | 6 to 8 | 1 to 5 |
| Veterinary Medicine | 9+ | 7 to 8 | 4 to 6 | 1 to 3 |
*Includes students enrolled in the Graduate School, Medical Doctor, Dental Fellow Specialist, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Health, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy.
**Includes students enrolled in the Law School, School of Dentistry, and School of Pharmacy programs.
Flat-rate tuition for undergraduates
If you're a degree-seeking undergraduate student who is taking 13 or more credits, you'll be charged at the flat rate tuition. Any credits beyond 13 are available at no additional charge. If you take fewer than 13 credits, you'll be charged per credit.
Prior to fall 2023, you would get charged at the flat-rate tuition if you took fewer than 13 credits, unless you requested an exemption. That process is no longer in practice. You do not need to request an exemption for taking fewer than 13 credits, and you will automatically be billed per credit.
Veteran education benefits credit requirements
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) uses a Rate of Pursuit (ROP) estimation to define training time statuses based on how many credits a student is enrolled in. Your VA benefits will vary based on your program, the number of credits you take, the course modality, and the start and end dates of your courses.
For questions about enrollment and veteran benefits, contact University Veterans Services.
VA education benefit requirements
Your VA education benefit payments will be determined by your enrollment status. If you are not enrolled full time, your benefits will be prorated. You can estimate your VA education benefit rates by using the GI Bill® Comparison Tool.
If you have questions about your payment status, the VA Education Office can be reached at 1-888-442-4551.
Chapter 33 enrollment information
If you are enrolled:
- More than half-time (7-11 undergraduate or 4-5 graduate credits), you will receive a prorated monthly housing allowance. Tuition payments will remain at your level of eligibility.
- Half-time or less, you will not receive a monthly housing allowance.
- For online-only learning, the VA bases your monthly housing allowance on ½ of the national average. You must be taking at least one in-person course to receive a monthly housing allowance based on the full MHA amount.
Chapters 30, 31, 35, 1606 enrollment information
If you are enrolled less than full-time, you will receive prorated monthly payments of your education benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
Summer enrollment
The University of Minnesota does not have one standard summer term. If you plan to take classes during the May or summer terms your full-time status may be different than you expect. Your benefits will vary based on your program, the number of credits you take, and the length of your classes
For summer or May term classes it can be difficult to determine if you are full-time or not. Please contact University Veterans Services for help.
Financial aid eligibility
Most financial aid awards require that you enroll in a minimum number of credits to receive the award.
Max credit enrollment
Undergraduate students may not register for more than 20 credits per fall or spring semester, or more than 15 credits in summer. Contact your college to request to exceed the maximum credit load.
In most programs, graduate students may not register for more than 18 credits per semester. Contact your program to learn more or to make a request to exceed the maximum credit load.
Maintain active status
Undergraduate
You must maintain continuous enrollment (i.e. register for classes) every fall and spring term. This is called maintaining “active” status. However, if you do not register for classes for a single term (with the exception of summer), your student status will be discontinued, or moved to “inactive” status. As an undergraduate, if you do not register for two or more consecutive semesters and at a later date wish to resume your studies at the University, you will have to apply for readmission.
If you need to take time off, a leave of absence may be appropriate. Speak with your advisor.
Graduate and professional
As a graduate or professional student, you must maintain active status in order to continue with your degree. If you do not register for a fall or spring semester, you will be withdrawn and your student record will be deactivated. In this situation, you may have to re-apply to your degree program in order to continue your studies. Find more information in the grad leave policy.
A leave of absence or special registration may be appropriate to allow you to take time off. Talk with your director of graduate studies, advisor, or department.