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Full-Time Student Definitions/Certification

Enrollment Status


Full-Time Student Definitions

  • Undergraduates
    • Fall or Spring Semester: 12 or more credit hours in A-F option or P/F option
    • Summer terms: 5 credit hours each term
  • Graduates
    • Fall or Spring Semester: Nine or more credit hours in A-F option or P/F option or equivalent credit
  • Summer terms: 3 credit hours each term

    Audit hours will not be used in establishing minimum full-time enrollment. Neither the payment of full fees nor compliance with maximums established as a condition of employment or appointment is basis for deviation from the definition above. For further information, contact: Mr. C. Y. Cridlin, Jr., University Registrar's Office; Dr. Anne McNabb, Associate Dean, Graduate School; or Dr. Barry Simmons, Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid.

National Student Clearinghouse

  • Academic Records Verification
  • Third Party Requests for Enrollment and Degree Verifications
  • Self-Service Enrollment Verification Certificates


Virginia Tech has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to act as our agent to provide enrollment verifications. If you need to verify your Virginia Tech current or previous enrollment or anticipated date of graduation, an "Enrollment Verification Certificate" may be obtained by:

  1. Log in to HOKIE SPA
  2. Choose Transcripts and Enrollment Verifications
  3. Select "Request Enrollment Verification Certificate"

As an authorized HOKIE SPA user, you will be automatically directed to the National Student Clearinghouse website. Via a secure log in, you may view or print enrollment information at any time. Enrollment Verification Certificates are printed from the Clearinghouse website and can be used as official verification of enrollment for insurance companies, employers, scholarships, or other agencies. There is no charge for this service. Also, you will enjoy the freedom of requesting and receiving this information at any time, day or night, without visiting our office.

Reporting Timeline: Virginia Tech considers registration for future semesters unofficial until the first day of classes of that term. Therefore, we do not submit initial enrollment data to the Clearinghouse until the first day of classes. During Fall and Spring terms, updates of enrollment data are submitted the tenth (10th), the fortieth (40th), and last class day of that specific term. During summer sessions, initial enrollment data is submitted the second class day with an update of enrollment data submitted the last class day.

  • The National Student Clearinghouse observes and complies with the Family Educational and Privacy Act (FERPA).
  • Contact the Clearinghouse at:

University Enrollment Definitions for Certifications

Undergraduate, Professional & Associate Students

Enrollment Term Credit Hours Enrolled Enrollment Status
1st Summer 5 or more FT
  4 3/4
  3 HT
  1 to 2 <HT
  0 NE
2nd Summer 5 or more FT
  4 3/4
  3 HT
  1 to 2 <HT
  0 NE
Fall 12 or more FT
  9 to 11 3/4
  6 to 8 HT
  1 to 5 <HT
  0 NE
Spring 12 or more FT
  9 to 11 3/4
  6 to 8 HT
  1 to 5 <HT
  0 NE

 

Graduate Students

Enrollment Term Credit Hours Enrolled Enrollment Status
1st Summer 3 or more FT
  2 HT
  1 <HT
  0 NE
2nd Summer 3 or more FT
  2 HT
  1 <HT
  0 NE
Fall 9 or more FT
  6 to 8 3/4
  5 HT
  1 to 4 <HT
  0 NE
Spring 9 or more FT
  6 to 8 3/4
  5 HT
  1 to 4 <HT
  0 NE
  • FT=Full-Time
  • 3/4=3/4 Time
  • HT=Half-Time
  • <HT=Less than Half-Time
  • NE=Not Enrolled
  • Co-Op=Full-Time