To maintain your legal status in the U.S., you must be enrolled full-time each fall and spring semester. You do not have to enroll in summer sessions unless you begin or finish your program of study at St. Edward’s in the summer.
| In-person or hybrid | At least 9 credit hours |
|---|---|
| Online | 3 credit hours |
| Total | At least 12 credit hours |
| In-person or hybrid | At least 6 credit hours |
|---|---|
| Online | 3 credit hours |
| Total | At least 9 credit hours |
There are a few times when enrolling in a smaller course load is possible, but always requires advance approval from the ISS:
| Limited academic reasons | There are a few academic situations (primarily in the first semester) where you may qualify for a reduced course load. Your academic advisor and ISS staff will evaluate your situation to see if you qualify. |
|---|---|
| Severe medical situation | Requires specific documentation from your doctor or mental health professional verifying that you are under their care and unable to maintain a full course load |
| Your last semester | You only need to take the classes you need to graduate. If reducing your credit hours due to graduation. you must have at least 1 course that is in-person or hybrid. |
<aside> ⚠️ If at any time you do not think you can keep up with a full course load, see your ISS advisor and Success Coach early and before dropping any courses.
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<aside> 👉 If you need to request a reduced course load based on any of the circumstances mentioned above, then submit the Reduce Course Load Request form in myHilltop.
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<aside> 🚨 Please note that instructor can drop/withdraw you from their class if you are not attending or completing assignments. This can be concerning for F-1 and J-1 students if they fall below the essential enrollment requirements to maintain student visa status.
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<aside> ☝ Full-time undergraduates semester bill will include a flat-rate charge for tuition (when enrolled in 12-18 hours) and a comprehensive fee. Part-time and summer undergraduates semester bill will include charges for tuition based on a per credit hour rate and a comprehensive fee. In other words, students are charged by the credit hour if enrolling in less than 12 credit hours or more than 18 credit hours. Optional fees for full-time, part-time and summer undergraduates include a car permit, student health insurance coverage, on-campus resident housing and a university meal plans. Learn more about fees.
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If you are dropping a class and will still be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours, fill out the Lift International Hold request in myHilltop. ISS will temporarily lift the hold preventing changes to your class schedule to allow you to drop the class.
You may take courses at another school that will count towards your full-time enrollment requirement at St. Edward’s. However, you must: