Split blue image, woman with tablet, man at laptop, words Ask the Experts

Is a Full-Time, Part-Time, or Online Grad Program Best?

So, you're planning to attend grad school--congratulations! But first you need advice to decide which type of program works best for your lifestyle and schedule.

Silhouette icon of a person with a laptop at a deskDonald C. Martin
Author and Enrollment Expert
There are pros and cons for each of these options. Going full time means finishing more quickly, but it also means a possible change in employment status and income. As for the student experience, full-time students tend to develop more of a social network, which translates into continued personal and professional relationships after graduation. Part-time students usually juggle the demands of their studies with employment obligations. This does not allow much time for socializing and developing networks. However, the benefits of employment tend to lessen the pressure on finances. Pursuing an online degree program offers the greatest flexibility in terms of scheduling courses and degree completion but doesn’t offer the degree of networking or career service options usually afforded to full- and part-time students. 

Get more expert advice to prepare for your grad program with our other Graduate School—Ask The Experts posts!

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