What is the difference between full-time and part-time status?

The difference between full-time and part-time status is determined by the number of credits a student takes in any given semester. Full-time students are enrolled in 12 credits or more; part-time students are enrolled in fewer than 12 credits. In most cases, a student must take at least 15 credit hours a semester in order to graduate in two years with an associate's degree.