How many credits is full time at TCC?

Full-Time Enrollment at Tacoma Community College

To maintain full-time status at Tacoma Community College (TCC), students must complete at least 12 credit hours each semester with a performance grade (A, B, C, etc.) [1]. The full-time course load requirements vary depending on the semester:

Fall and Spring Semesters

During the fall and spring semesters, students must enroll in 12 or more credit hours to be considered full-time [1].

Summer Semester

For the summer semester, students must enroll in 12 or more credit hours for the full summer semester to be considered full-time [1].

Wintermester and Maymester

Wintermester and Maymester are shorter sessions that may affect a student’s enrollment status. It is recommended to consult with the campus Admissions and Registrar Office to determine how these sessions might impact full-time status [1].

Maximum Course Load Limits

TCC reserves the right to limit the course load of any student [2]. There are maximum course load limits for each semester:

Fall Semester

  • Up to 18 credit hours with approval from the vice president for academic affairs [2].

Wintermester

  • Up to 3 credit hours (considered part of the spring semester hours) [2].

Wintermester + Spring Semester

  • Up to 18 credit hours (including Wintermester hours) with approval from the vice president for academic affairs [2].

Spring Semester

  • Up to 18 credit hours with approval from the vice president for academic affairs [2].

Maymester

  • Up to 3 credit hours (considered part of the summer semester hours) [2].

Maymester + Summer Semester

  • Up to 17 credit hours for the full summer semester (including Maymester hours and other summer session hours) [2].

Summer Semester

  • Up to 7 credit hours per five-and-a-half week session or 14 credit hours for the full summer semester. Approval from the vice president for academic affairs is required for more than 14 credit hours [2].

Students using veteran benefits may have different requirements based on their calculations for rate of pursuit. They should contact the Veterans Resource Center to understand the loads and limits that may apply to their situation [2].

Sources

[1] Tarrant County College. (2023). Studying at TCC. https://www.tccd.edu/admission/how-to-apply/international/study-at-tcc/
[2] Tarrant County College. (2023). Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment. https://www.tccd.edu/academics/courses-and-programs/full-time-vs-part-time/

FAQs

How many credits is full time at TCC?

To be considered full-time at TCC, students must complete at least 12 credit hours each semester with a performance grade (A, B, C, etc.).

What are the full-time course load requirements for each semester?

The full-time course load requirements vary depending on the semester:

    • Fall and Spring semesters: 12+ credit hours
    • Summer semester: 12+ credit hours for the full summer semester

Are there any exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement?

Yes, there are two exceptions to the full-time enrollment requirement:

    1. Students entering their last term of study before graduation and need fewer than 12 hours to complete degree requirements.
    1. Students prevented from attending class by illness or a medical condition, documented by a licensed medical professional.

What is the maximum number of credit hours I can take?

TCC reserves the right to limit the course load of any student. The maximum course load limits for each semester are as follows:

    • Fall semester: Up to 18 credit hours with approval from the vice president for academic affairs.
    • Wintermester: Up to 3 credit hours (considered part of the spring semester hours).
    • Wintermester + Spring semester: Up to 18 credit hours (including Wintermester hours) with approval from the vice president for academic affairs.
    • Spring semester: Up to 18 credit hours with approval from the vice president for academic affairs.
    • Maymester: Up to 3 credit hours (considered part of the summer semester hours).
    • Maymester + Summer semester: Up to 17 credit hours for the full summer semester (including Maymester hours and other summer session hours).
    • Summer semester: Up to 7 credit hours per five-and-a-half week session or 14 credit hours for the full summer semester. Approval from the vice president for academic affairs is required for more than 14 credit hours.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my full-time enrollment status?

If you have questions about your full-time enrollment status, you should contact the campus Admissions and Registrar Office.

What are the benefits of being a full-time student?

There are many benefits to being a full-time student, including:

    • Access to financial aid, such as grants and scholarships
    • Eligibility for student health insurance
    • Access to student discounts on things like transportation and entertainment

What are the consequences of not being a full-time student?

If you are not a full-time student, you may not be eligible for financial aid, student health insurance, or other student discounts. You may also have to pay higher tuition rates.

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