Do schools give preference to full time vs part time applicants?

[ritit123]

I've been mulling this question over in my head as my NP school application deadline is approaching. As much as I love school I might feel overwhelmed especially since I might be starting a family sooner then I thought and keeping my job as an RN. If I apply part time will the school see me as less serious about my commitment?

[BiotoBSNtoFNP]

No they will not see part time status as a poor commitment to school. Plenty of NP students are part time, especially if they want to still work and have a family. In fact, if you are full time in school, they will expect school to be your number one priority and do not want to hear about how you have so much else going on in your life or else they will tell you to drop to part time school! That has been my experience

[ritit123]

That's good to hear. One of my schools actually states that they recommend full time for continuity. Are they implying something?

[xenogenetic]

They are implying that they would rather have more tuition money with full-time rather than less tuition money with part-time is my guess. :-)

[zmansc, ASN, RN]

They are implying that they would rather have more tuition money with full-time rather than less tuition money with part-time is my guess. :-)

I seriously doubt that, most of the time part time students end up paying more in tuition and far more in tuition and fees than full time students over the course of the degree.

It would be school and program dependent on if they prefer part time / full time or have no preference at all. If a school suggests full time, I would guess they prefer full time.

Another point on the topic, one schools full time does not always equal another schools full time, and the same with part time. If you are serious about wanting to reduce your time commitments you will be well served to spend some time researching what exactly part time means at that school. At my school for example the difference is very minimal.

Good luck!