What is Half Time Enrollment in College (6-9 Credits)? Why Investors Should Care

The student housing market is changing, and the demand for housing is shifting along with it. This is why half-time enrollment is a trend investors can’t overlook.

As investors, this is your chance to take advantage of this by providing flexible, budget-friendly, and short-stay rentals to attract higher occupancy and rental income.

In this article, we will break down what half-time enrollment is, how it impacts student housing demand, and why property investors need to watch these trends closely. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Half-Time Enrollment?

Half-time enrollment refers to students who are taking fewer credits than full-time students. These students usually enroll in 6 to 9 credits per semester.

So, why is this relevant to property investors? Half-time students represent a large share of the student housing market, whether they are enrolled at least half-time or less than that.

Students who take half-time workloads may be juggling coursework and employment or other obligations, which affects their choice of residence. Investors can benefit by offering budget-friendly units, short lease terms, and locations near job centers.

Catering to their needs means higher occupancy rates and steady rental income.

Impact of Half-Time Enrollment on Student Housing Demand

Demand for student housing is not just being driven by full-time students. Our research found that part-time enrollment is projected to grow by 10% between 2021 and 2031, compared to 8% growth for full-time enrollment.

As the number of part-time students continues to grow, their accommodation requirements such as affordability, proximity to campus location, and flexible accommodation, will translate into the key areas property investors will need to meet.

How Many Credits Do You Need to Be a Half-Time Student?

Students must take anywhere between 6 and 9 credits per semester to qualify as half-time students.

The number of part-time students varies each year, but they generally have less access to financial aid compared to full-time students.

This limited access to financial aid can make it more difficult for part-time students to afford their education. It could even cost them access to programs like the Pell Grant. Consider factors like these to target the right tenants.

How Does Enrollment Status Affect School Cost?

You may be thinking to yourself, “Why does enrollment status even matter when it comes to school costs?”

Half-time students frequently experience different financial situations than full-time students when it comes to receiving aid. Graduate students who study full-time may receive more financial assistance in the forms of loans, scholarships, or grants, than those who study part-time.

In light of this, half-time students are often in search of reasonably priced off-campus housing that will suit their narrower budgets.

But we suggest that as a property investor, knowing the financial burden your tenants face as students is the first step to investing in homes that are relevant to their needs. Once you understand this, you can set competitive rents, offer flexible lease terms, and invest in high-demand properties.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment

Let’s break it down: Full-time students are typically enrolled in 12 or more credit hours per semester. On the other hand, part-time students, including those considered half-time, are enrolled in fewer than 12 credit hours.

Demand for traditional dorms comes mainly from full-time students, while part-time students seek flexible, off-campus options. Investors should take note here. But, why exactly? Because tracking enrollment and housing data will help investors optimize their pricing and investment strategies.

Why Property Investors Should Pay Attention to Half-Time Enrollment Trends

Simply put, if you neglect the trend of being half-time students, you will miss the growing number of renters who are part-time college students and cannot afford to move into more expensive housing.

In fact, our team discovered that 83% of community college students enroll part-time or stop before graduation. For investors, this means a lucrative opportunity to provide affordable, flexible properties that serve half-time students balancing school, work, and other responsibilities.

Conclusion

Paying attention to half-time enrollment can provide investors with an edge in the student housing market by acknowledging them as a target market in their own right with particular housing needs.

Analytics provide valuable insights into enrollment trends, highlight growing demand, and allow investors to time their investments with the demand of this growing demographic.

College House can help you achieve this. We specialize in data analytics that can help student housing investors track the growing demand for part-time student housing. Book a demo today.