Summer Quarter is an excellent opportunity to take classes that apply directly to your degree or elective. However, because of the summer quarter's unique nature, there are several important factors to keep in mind to make sure you understand what's required to be full-time, ¾ time, half-time, etc. The curriculum is organized into three distinct terms; Term A, Term B, or Full Term, all of which can impact your enrollment status.
Two Scenarios that WOULD give you full-time benefits are as follows:
- Undergraduate students who take a minimum of 5 credits in the A term and 5 credits in the B term will be considered full-time.
- Undergraduates who take 10 Full Term summer credits will receive full-time benefits.
In either case, you're taking 10 credits over 9 weeks or 5 credits in the A term (one month) and 5 credits in the B term (one month)
Two scenarios that WOULD NOT give you full-time benefits are as follows:
- 5 credits in A term and 5 credits in the full summer term are not full-time for the summer term.
- 5 credits in B term and 5 credits in the full summer term are not full-time for the summer term.
Some of you may not have the option of taking classes that give you full-time VA benefits depending on your program typically though most people can arrange their schedule to provide them with full-time benefits.
Note: Taking strictly online (distance learning) classes, regardless of being full-time, will reduce your monthly BAH payment. Due to the various combinations of hybrid, online, and in-person classes, please contact the VMRC to verify if your schedule meets the requirements to receive full BAH.
Another critical piece of information is if you are receiving financial aid in addition to VA benefits. To obtain full-time Financial Aid, you need to have at least 12 credits spread out over the summer term to be considered full-time. There are no specific term requirements as to when you take the 12 credits. As long as you take 12 credits, that is deemed to be full-time for financial aid. Remember that you still need to refer to the above requirements when considering full-time status for VA benefits. If you are receiving summer financial aid, please review this link.
Graduate Programs work on the same principles, but there are fewer A or B term courses at the graduate level. For specific information about your graduate program requirements for the summer quarter, please contact the VMRC directly.
