Can I enroll in both a tech school and an online college simultaneously if both are part-time?
I’ve been attending a tech school for the past two years, focusing on cybersecurity, and I’m set to graduate in April. However, I’m interested in taking an additional programming class at the same school to earn the certificates I need for my desired career. The tech school is quite affordable, so I can cover the costs myself.
Additionally, there’s an online college in another state that collaborates with my tech school. This college allows me to transfer some of my credits, meaning I’d only need to complete one year of online coursework to earn an associate’s degree in software, security, and development.
I’ve always attended the tech school part-time, just three hours a day, and I prefer that schedule. Fortunately, the online college also offers a part-time option. I can use my student aid to help with the online college expenses since it’s pricier than my tech school.
Is it feasible to enroll in both programs simultaneously, or is it typically restricted to one enrollment at a time? I appreciate any guidance!
Yes, it is definitely possible to enroll in both a tech school and an online college at the same time, especially since both would be part-time commitments. Many students pursue additional education or certification alongside their main studies, and it sounds like you have a good plan laid out.
Before proceeding, here are a few things to consider:
Schedule Management: Make sure you can manage the workload and time commitments for both programs. Since you’ve been studying part-time already, you’ll want to ensure that taking on an additional class won’t overwhelm you.
Financial Aid: Since you mentioned you’d be using student aid for the online college, check with both institutions to understand how enrolling in both programs might affect your financial aid eligibility. It’s possible that you may need to report enrollment in both schools to your financial aid office.
Credit Transfer: Since the online college partners with your tech school, confirm that the credits you earn can be successfully transferred as you plan. This can sometimes impact your academic trajectory.
Program Requirements: Be aware of the class schedules and requirements for both programs to avoid any conflicts.
Advising: It might be helpful to speak with academic advisors at both institutions. They can provide specific guidance regarding enrollment rules and help you strategize your course loads.
In short, as long as you can manage the workload and maintain good communication with both schools, you should be able to enroll in both simultaneously. Best of luck with your studies and future career!