Graduate Student Enrollment Status

Full-time enrollment for graduate students is a minimum of 9 units of coursework numbered 500 through 999.

Half-time enrollment for graduate students is a minimum of 5 units of coursework numbered 500 through 999.

Enrollment for Thesis, Dissertation or Clinical Internship

Graduate students enrolled in Thesis 799A are considered to be enrolled full time.

Graduate students enrolled in Thesis Extension 799B or Comprehensive Examination Extension 799C are considered to be enrolled half time.

Doctoral students enrolled in Doctoral Research 897, Doctoral Dissertation 899, or Clinical Internship (Psychology 894) are considered to be full time.

Your aid eligibility is limited to four semesters of thesis coursework (i.e., any combination of Thesis 799A/B/C).  However, if you need additional semesters of thesis coursework, you may submit a written appeal, with a letter of support from your thesis chair or advisor. 

Cost and Eligibility

If your actual SDSU units total 6.0 or less, you pay part-time registration fees, therefore—

• Your financial aid eligibility may be affected by the part-time cost;
• If you are awarded a State University Grant (SUG), the amount of the grant will be adjusted to reflect the part-time fee payment;
• The amount of subsidized or unsubsidized loan may also be affected.

If your enrollment affects your aid eligibility, you will receive an e-mail (or paper) notice directing you to log on to AidLink to view the changes.

If you have additional costs specific to your graduate program, complete and submit a Student’s Request for a Budget Increase form.

Limited Eligibility - Second Master's

If you are pursuing a second master's degree, you may be eligible for State University Grant and/or the Direct Loan Program.

• Eligibility is limited to 2 years (4 FTES and / or 38 units).
• To receive aid in subsequent years, you must provide a copy of your Official Program for the second master's degree.